4 Easy Homemade Iced Tea Recipes & Best Iced Tea Flavors

Summertime and iced tea go hand-in-hand, it’s a fact. Infused with fruit, refreshing tea flavors and loads of ice, iced tea is a great patio party drink, whether that’s a party for one or a party for ten.

Iced tea, commonly known as sweet tea in the United States, has many different flavor combos you can try, so let’s get steeping! Here are some easy homemade iced tea recipes that taste delicious and will put you in contention for being everyone’s favorite host/hostess.

Tips To Brew The Best Homemade Iced Tea

Use Loose Leaf Tea

Fresh is key for good flavor infusion and fresh isn't usually found in a tea bag. Tea bags also prevent the tea leaves from fully expanding, which then cuts off their flavor extraction.

Don't Use Boiling Water

Cold brewed tea is better. If you want to mimic your favorite iced tea from Starbucks, cold water is the way to go. Especially if you're using a white or oolong tea. If you're going to use hot water you have to pay close attention to the numbers because water that's too hot can create bitterness.

Use Enough Tea

The water to tea ratio is the most important when it comes to brewing great tasting iced tea. Make sure you taste test before adding in extra cups of water toward the end of your recipe. Also take into account the water that will come from the ice cubes once they melt.

1. Pomegranate Hibiscus Iced Tea

Ingredients (8 servings)

• ¼ cup of loose Hibiscus Tea
• 8 cups of cold water
• 4-6 ice cubes
• 1 cup of pomegranate juice
• Lemon Wedges for garnish

Directions

1. Combine loose-leaf tea and 4 cups of cold water into Large Smart Tea Steeper or large jug
2. Cover with lid and place in fridge overnight or for a minimum of 5 hours
3. Release tea from Large Smart Tea Steeper into a large pitcher. Or if you’re using a large jug, place a Fine Mesh Strainer on a large pitcher and strain the tea
4. Add in ice cubes, pomegranate juice and 4 more cups of water (or as you see fit)
5. Garnish glasses with lemon wedges and enjoy

2. Original Lemon Iced Tea

Ingredients (8 servings)

• ¼ cup of loose Lemon Green Tea
• 4 cups of water
• ¾ cup of granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon of baking soda
• The juice of 5 fresh lemons
• 4-6 ice cubes
• Lemon Wedges for garnish

Directions

1. Boil 4 cups of water in a Kettle
2. In a Large Smart Tea Steeper or a heat-proof pitcher/jug, combine the water, baking soda and sugar. Mix until sugar is dissolved. Add the loose-leaf tea and let cool to room temperature
3. Place in the fridge overnight or for at least 4 hours
4. Release tea from Large Smart Tea Steeper into a large pitcher. Or if you’re using a large jug, place a Fine Mesh Strainer on a large pitcher and strain the tea
5. Add in ice cubes, lemon juice and 4 more cups of cold water (or as you see fit)
6. Garnish glasses with lemon wedges and enjoy

3. Peachy Cream Iced Tea

Ingredients for Tea (8 servings)

• ¼ cup of loose Peach Ice Cream Tea
• 5 cups of cold water
• 4-6 ice cubes
• Peach wedges for serving

Ingredients for Peach Syrup

• ½ cup of cane sugar or granulated sugar
• ½ cup of water
• 1 ½ peaches (thinly sliced)

Directions

1. Boil sugar, water and peaches in a small saucepan
2. Lower heat, stir and crush the peaches. Once the sugar is dissolved, cover and remove from heat. Let it steep for 5-10 minutes
3. Use a Fine mesh strainer and filter the syrup into a seal-able jar. Set aside
4. Combine loose-leaf tea and 2 cups of cold water into a Large Smart Tea Steeper or a large jug
5. Cover with lid and place in fridge overnight or for a minimum of 5 hours
6. Release tea from Large Smart Tea Steeper into a large pitcher. Or if you’re using a jug, place a Fine Mesh Strainer on a large pitcher and strain the tea
7. Add in ice cubes, Peach syrup and 3 more cups of water (or to your taste). Stir mixture
8. Garnish with Peach slices. Serve over ice and enjoy

4. Strawberry Lemon Iced Tea

Ingredients for Tea (6 servings)

• ¼ cup of loose Strawberry Lemonade
• 6 cups of cold water
• 4-6 ice cubes

Ingredients For Strawberry Syrup

• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• 1 cup of water
• 1 dozen strawberries, diced.

Directions

1. Place the water, strawberry and sugar into a saucepan on low heat until the sugar dissolves
2. Once sugar dissolves bring heat to medium-high for a simmer
3. Simmer for 10 minutes while mashing the strawberry pieces
4. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature. Then place a Fine Mesh Strainer on top of a jar and strain the syrup. Set sealed jar aside.
5. Combine loose-leaf tea and 6 cups of cold water into Large Smart Tea Steeper or large jug
6. Cover with lid and place in fridge overnight or for a minimum of 5 hours
7. Release tea from Large Smart Tea Steeper into a large pitcher. Or if you’re using a jug, place a Fine Mesh Strainer on a large pitcher and strain the tea
8. Stir in ice cubes and mango syrup
9. Garnish with strawberry or lemon slices and enjoy