Making homemade iced tea with tea bags is super easy to do, and this quick 5-minute recipe makes sure you have a glass of refreshing iced tea ready in a flash!
Bring water to a simmer and add tea bags; let them steep for no longer than 3-5 minutes. Meanwhile, add the ice to a large pitcher that can hold at least 2 quarts.
32 ounces filtered water, 2-3 large tea bags*
Remove the tea bags from the pot (don't squeeze - this will result in bitter tea) and pour the hot tea over the ice. Stir vigorously for a few minutes until most of the ice has melted.
32 ounces ice
Serve immediately over ice, as desired, with fresh lemon. Store remaining tea in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Lemon slices
Notes
*Large Tea Bags: marketed specifically for iced tea, however, you can use regular black tea bags (or another variety). The large tea bags I use have 6 grams of tea per bag.
If using tea bags with tags, snip them off before placing in the pitcher.
3 regular tea bags = 1 large tea bag (generally)
*Adjust: add an extra tea bag for stronger tea, and reduce by 1 bag for weaker tea.
Make sweet tea by adding simple syrup or a sweetener of choice.