Cris' Ice Tea
A refreshing, sweet-tart iced tea with lemon flavor, perfect for hot days or casual gatherings, appealing to those who enjoy flavorful, homemade beverages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil 3 quarts of water; add 13 tea bags and remove from heat. Let sit approximately 1/2 hour.
- Drain and squeeze the tea bags, then remove them.
- Add 1 1/2 cups of sugar and 1/2 cup lemon juice to the tea.
- Stir well until the sugar is dissolved.
- Pour the mixture into a gallon jug; add enough cold water to make 1 gallon.
- Stir or shake well to combine.
- Chill and serve over ice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a less sweet version, reduce the sugar to 1 cup or use a sugar substitute like stevia. You can also experiment with different types of tea bags, such as green or herbal teas, for varied flavors. Adding fresh mint leaves or slices of citrus can elevate the drink. To enhance the lemon flavor, consider using freshly squeezed lemon juice instead of bottled.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Cris' Ice Tea in tall glasses over ice, garnished with lemon slices or fresh mint for a refreshing touch. It pairs beautifully with Mary Gregory'S Sweet Cabbage Salad or any light summer dish. For a fun twist, consider adding a splash of fruit juice, like peach or berry, to create a flavored iced tea.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover iced tea in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If the tea becomes overly sweet or concentrated, dilute it with a bit of cold water before serving. Avoid freezing, as it can alter the texture and flavor of the tea. Shake or stir well before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cris' Ice Tea contains roughly 78 calories, with 2g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (33% 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 leaf tea instead of tea bags?
Yes, you can use loose leaf tea. For every tea bag, use about 1 teaspoon of loose leaf tea. Just make sure to strain the tea after steeping to remove the leaves before adding sugar and lemon juice.
How can I make this recipe less sweet?
To make the iced tea less sweet, start by reducing the sugar to 1 cup or use alternatives like honey or agave syrup. You can also increase the lemon juice to balance the sweetness, or add more cold water to dilute the mixture.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the 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 when served cold.
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).