Authentic Lemon Iced Tea Recipe – Easy Summer Refreshment

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Authentic Lemon Iced Tea Recipe – Easy Summer Refreshment

Okay, let’s be real. Is there anything better than a tall, cool glass of iced tea on a scorching summer day? I think not! This isn’t just any iced tea, though. This is my go-to recipe for authentic Lemon Iced Tea – super easy to make, incredibly refreshing, and perfect for beating the heat. I first made this when I was trying to recreate the iced tea my grandmother used to make, and honestly, it’s been a summer staple ever since.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Lemon Iced Tea is seriously the best. It’s quick – ready in under 15 minutes! It’s customizable – adjust the sweetness and lemon to your liking. And it’s just…happy. A bright, zesty drink that instantly lifts your spirits. Plus, it’s a fantastic alternative to sugary sodas and juices.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of this sunshine in a glass:

• 1 tablespoon Tea powder (approx. 8-10 grams)
• 1.5 cup Water (approx. 350ml)
• 2 tablespoons Sugar (approx. 20-25 grams)
• 1 Lemon (you’ll use both the juice and slices!)
• 2 Lemon slices (for garnish)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk tea! I usually reach for Assam tea powder for a strong, classic flavour. But Darjeeling is lovely for a more floral, delicate iced tea. Feel free to experiment!

Now, about the sweetness. 2 tablespoons of sugar is my sweet spot, but in India, we all have our preferences, right? Some like it really sweet, others prefer a more subtle flavour. Don’t be afraid to adjust it to your taste.

And the lemon? Freshly squeezed is always best. It makes all the difference. Using filtered water also helps to bring out the best flavour of the tea.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get brewing!

1. Bring the water to a boil in a saucepan. Once it’s bubbling away, add the tea powder and let it simmer for about 2 minutes on medium heat. Don’t over-boil it, or it might get bitter!
2. Strain the brewed tea using a fine-mesh strainer into a jug. This gets rid of those tea leaves and gives you a clear, beautiful brew. Now, stir in the sugar until it’s completely dissolved. Let the tea cool to room temperature – this is important! You don’t want your ice to melt instantly.
3. Once cooled, add the freshly squeezed lemon juice to the tea. Or, if you want a more subtle lemon flavour, gently muddle a few lemon slices in the jug. Muddling releases the oils without making the tea cloudy.
4. Fill a tall glass with ice cubes and a couple of lemon slices. Pour the cooled tea over the ice and serve immediately. Ahhh, perfection!

Expert Tips

• Don’t oversteep the tea: Oversteeping leads to bitterness. Two minutes is usually perfect.
• Cool completely: Adding ice to hot tea will dilute it and make it taste watery. Patience is key!
• Simple syrup shortcut: For quicker dissolving, use simple syrup instead of granulated sugar. (Equal parts sugar and water, heated until dissolved, then cooled).

Variations

This recipe is a great base for all sorts of fun twists!

• Mint Iced Tea: My friend Priya loves adding a handful of fresh mint leaves to the jug while it’s cooling. It’s so refreshing!
• Ginger Iced Tea: A small knob of grated ginger simmered with the tea adds a lovely spicy kick. My family always requests this during monsoon season.
• Sugar Substitutions: Swap the sugar for honey, maple syrup, or your favourite sugar substitute.
• Festival Adaptations: During the summer solstice or a heatwave, I like to add a splash of rose water for an extra floral touch. It feels so celebratory!

Serving Suggestions

This Lemon Iced Tea is amazing on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with:

• Light snacks like biscuits or cookies.
• A summery salad.
• Spicy Indian snacks – the coolness of the tea balances the heat perfectly!

Storage Instructions

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftover Lemon Iced Tea in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. It might lose a little of its brightness, but it will still be delicious.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions!

• How can I make this iced tea less bitter? Don’t oversteep the tea! And make sure you’re using good quality tea powder.
• What’s the best type of water to use for iced tea? Filtered water is ideal. It removes any impurities that could affect the flavour.
• Can I make this iced tea ahead of time? Yes, you can brew the tea and let it cool, then add the lemon juice and ice just before serving.
• How do I adjust the sweetness level? Start with 2 tablespoons of sugar and add more to taste.
• What’s the difference between simple syrup and granulated sugar in iced tea? Simple syrup dissolves more easily, especially in cold liquids, resulting in a smoother, more consistent sweetness.