Tea Sommelier’s Iced Tea Recipe
on Mar 10, 2026
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A classic iced tea recipe with tips from a Tea Sommelier to make it perfect every time! See how to make this brisk and refreshing drink in minutes with step-by-step instructions.
Classic Iced Tea
Bold, refreshing, and thirst-quenching, my classic iced tea is just what you need on a hot day. No need to look to other iced teas since this one is perfectly sweet and never bitter.
- The hot brew method is used to create a tea concentrate by steeping tea in hot water. It’s then cooled down and served over ice.
- I use tea bags in this recipe but you can use sachets or loose tea.
- This recipe makes one 16 ounce serving (Starbucks grande size) of iced tea but can easily be increased to fill a pitcher.
Note from Jee
As a Tea Sommelier and self-proclaimed iced tea master, there is something I always do to make sure my iced tea is never bitter.
The secret is to steep black tea for 5 minutes MAX. I set a timer and make sure it doesn’t go over that 5 minute mark. Steeping tea for too long is how it gets bitter, so keep an eye on the time.
If you have more time, try making cold brew tea, which takes longer, but results in a mellower and smoother tea.
Ingredient Notes
- Black tea: Any black tea will work, so feel free to use your favorite. English Breakfast, Assam, or Ceylon are all great options.
- Sugar: White sugar is used here but you can substitute with brown sugar or any other sweetener. Or even better, use simple syrup.
- Water: For the best tasting iced tea, I always use filtered water.
- Ice: It’s best to use filtered water to make the ice, too.
For full ingredients and detailed instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Put tea bags and hot water into a teapot to make a tea concentrate. Cover and steep.
Boil water on the stovetop or use an electric kettle with a temperature setting.
Step 2: Remove tea bags and stir in sugar. Dissolve sugar completely.
Step 3: Add cold water. Place tea in the refrigerator to chill.
Step 4: Pour chilled tea into a cup with ice.
Want it Stronger?
If you want a stronger tasting iced tea, instead of steeping the tea bags for longer, add another tea bag.
Recipe Notes
Use tea bags, tea sachets, or loose tea.
Tea bags or sachets are easier to clean up, but you can also go with loose tea. Use 1 tea sachet or 1 ½ teaspoons of loose tea for every tea bag.
Don’t oversteep the tea.
Black tea gets more astringent and bitter the longer it’s steeped, so be sure to set a timer and brew for no more than 5 minutes.
Prep the tea ahead of time.
Iced tea can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Expert Tips
- Swap the sugar for a flavored syrup to make a flavored iced tea. Ginger, hibiscus, and peach all pair beautifully with black tea. Start with 2 tablespoons of simple syrup and add more if you like your iced tea sweeter.
- Muddle fresh herbs like mint or basil in the cup before adding the ice and tea for a brighter, more complex flavor profile.
- Add lemon slices to add a citrus touch.
- To make this a richer, creamy drink, add milk or top with a flavored cold foam.
Related
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Iced Black Tea
Ingredients
- 2 tea bags black tea, (or 2 tea sachets or 1 tablespoon loose tea)
- ½ cup hot water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- ½ cup cold water
- 1 cup ice
Instructions
- Put tea bags and ½ cup of hot water into a teapot.Boil water on the stovetop or use an electric kettle with a temperature setting. Set water temperature to 190°F.
- Cover and steep for 5 minutes. Discard tea bags.Steeping for longer will make the tea bitter so keep an eye on the time with a timer.
- Stir in sugar until it dissolves. Add ½ cup of cold water.Place in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to cool after adding the cold water.
- Pour cooled down tea into a cup with ice.
Notes
- Any black tea can be used, like English Breakfast, Assam, or Ceylon.
- White sugar is used, but you can substitute with brown sugar or any other sweetener. Or even better, simple syrup.
- Black tea gets more astringent and bitter the longer it’s steeped, so be sure to set a timer and brew for no more than 5 minutes.
- If you want a stronger tasting iced tea, instead of steeping the tea bags for longer, add another tea bag.
- The iced black tea can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
