Evie'S Ice Teas
A refreshing homemade iced tea with sweetened brewed tea mixed with lemonade, perfect for hot days and gatherings, offering a balance of sweetness and citrus zest.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring water to a boil in a small pot.
- Steep 5 tea bags in the hot water for at least 30 minutes.
- Pour 1 cup of sugar into a gallon milk jug.
- Add the steeped tea to the jug.
- Fill the jug with cold water.
- Add lemonade mix to the jug.
- Shake the jug to mix all ingredients thoroughly.
- Cool the mixture in the refrigerator.
- Serve in a tall glass over ice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a refreshing twist, try using flavored tea bags like peach or lemon. Adjust the sugar based on your sweetness preference; you can substitute with honey or a sugar alternative like agave syrup. If you want a stronger tea flavor, steep the bags longer than 30 minutes, but avoid bitterness by not exceeding 1 hour. Consider adding fresh fruit slices for garnish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Evie's Ice Teas in tall glasses filled with ice, garnished with lemon slices or mint leaves for a vibrant touch. This beverage pairs beautifully with light snacks, such as sandwiches or a refreshing fruit salad. For a complete summer meal, consider serving it alongside Beth'S Candied Peanuts for a sweet-salty contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover iced tea in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days. If the tea becomes too sweet over time, you can dilute it with cold water before serving. To enjoy it again, just pour over fresh ice and add a splash of lemon juice for extra flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Evie'S Ice Teas contains roughly 233 calories, with 3g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (60% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 6g 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 make Evie's Ice Teas without sugar?
Yes, you can make Evie's Ice Teas without sugar by using a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener. You can start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste. For a more natural sweetness, consider adding fresh fruit juices like orange or pineapple.
How can I make this recipe in a smaller batch?
To make a smaller batch, simply reduce the number of tea bags and sugar proportionally. For example, use 1-2 tea bags and 1/4 cup of sugar, and follow the same steeping and mixing instructions. This way, you can enjoy a refreshing drink without making a full gallon.
What type of tea works best for this recipe?
Black tea is traditional for iced tea, but you can experiment with green, herbal, or flavored teas for unique variations. Each type will impart its flavor; for instance, green tea will give a lighter taste, while herbal teas can add a fruity or floral note.
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).