Country Iced Tea
Country Iced Tea is a refreshing beverage perfect for warm weather gatherings. With the robust flavor of brewed tea balanced by sweetness from sugar, it’s an ideal drink for family barbecues or picnics. This homemade version offers a delightful taste that store-bought alternatives just can't match.
Ingredients
Instructions
- After water comes to a boil, add tea bags and let set for 15 minutes.
- While this is setting, add sugar to a gallon container.
- Pour tea over sugar and stir until it is dissolved.
- Add cold water to finish the gallon of tea.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Country Iced Tea, consider using flavored tea bags like peach or lemon for a twist. You can also reduce the sugar to suit your taste or substitute with alternatives like honey or a sugar substitute for a healthier version. For a refreshing touch, add fresh mint leaves or lemon slices before serving, which pairs beautifully with Dutch Slaw.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Country Iced Tea over ice in tall glasses for a refreshing summer drink. Garnish with lemon wedges or fresh mint for added flair. This drink complements summer barbecues and is perfect alongside dishes like Chili-Cheese Dip or a light salad. For a fun twist, serve it at parties with a splash of fruit juice or sparkling water.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover iced tea in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If the tea becomes too sweet after a few days, you can dilute it with additional cold water to balance the flavor. Reheat is not recommended as iced tea is best served cold, but you can make a new batch as needed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Country Iced Tea contains roughly 127 calories, with 4g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 tea instead of tea bags?
Yes, you can use loose tea! For every tea bag, use about 1 teaspoon of loose tea. Just make sure to strain the tea before pouring it over the sugar to avoid any sediment in your iced tea.
How can I make this tea less sweet?
To make the Country Iced Tea less sweet, simply reduce the amount of sugar used in the recipe. Start with 1 cup of sugar instead of 2, and adjust to your taste. You can also add more cold water to dilute the sweetness after the tea has cooled.
Can I make this tea ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the Country Iced Tea a day in advance. Just follow the recipe and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, making it even more refreshing for your gathering or picnic.
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).