Brewed Tea

Prep: 10 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A refreshing, sweetened brewed tea perfect for hot days or gatherings, offering a balanced blend of tea flavor and sweetness that suits all ages.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 8 tea bags
  • 8 cups water
  • 1/2 cup sugar

Instructions

  1. Brew 8 tea bags in 8 cups of water.
  2. Once brewing is complete, pour the tea syrup into a 1-gallon jug.
  3. Add 1/2 cup of sugar to the jug.
  4. Dissolve the sugar by stirring or shaking gently.
  5. Fill the rest of the jug with cold water to the top.

Tips & Substitutions

For a stronger flavor, steep the tea bags a little longer, but be cautious not to over-brew as it may become bitter. You can substitute sugar with honey or a sugar alternative for a healthier option. Experiment with different tea varieties, such as herbal or flavored teas, to create unique blends. If you want a more refreshing twist, add fresh mint leaves during brewing.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the brewed tea over ice for a refreshing drink, especially during warm weather. It pairs wonderfully with light snacks like cookies or sandwiches. For a fun twist, consider adding slices of lemon or berries. This tea can also be a base for summer drinks, such as Margaret'S Tropical Punch, for a festive occasion.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover brewed tea in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days. To enjoy it chilled, pour it over ice. If you prefer it warm, reheat gently on the stove, but avoid boiling to preserve the flavor. Always taste before serving to adjust sweetness if needed.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Brewed Tea contains roughly 421 calories, with 8g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (98% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. It also contributes 11g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

421 kcal 21% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 7.9g 16% DV
Total Fat 19.8g 25% DV
Carbs 60.4g 22% DV
Fiber 10.6g 38% DV
Sugar 3.7g 7% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 93.9mg 4% DV
Potassium 728.8mg 16% DV
Cholesterol 59mg 20% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 120mcg 13% DV
Vitamin C 87.9mg 98% DV
Vitamin D 1.1mcg 6% DV
Calcium 150.1mg 12% DV
Iron 1.5mg 8% DV
Diet fit High-fiber

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use loose leaf tea instead of tea bags?

Yes, you can use loose leaf tea. A general rule is to use 1 teaspoon of loose leaf tea per cup of water. Just make sure to strain the tea before pouring it into the jug, as loose leaf tea will leave sediment in your drink.

How can I make this tea less sweet?

To make the tea less sweet, simply reduce the amount of sugar you add. Start with a quarter cup and adjust to your taste. Alternatively, you can skip the sugar entirely and serve the tea with lemon or fresh fruit to enhance the flavor without added sweetness.

Can I make this tea ahead of time for a gathering?

Absolutely! You can brew the tea and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This is perfect for gatherings, allowing you to prepare in advance. Just remember to fill the jug with cold water before serving to ensure it's refreshing and chilled.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

American recipes → Vegan recipes → Vegetarian recipes → All recipes →