How To Make Iced Tea At Home

Want to brew the perfect jug of iced tea? It’s simpler than you might think! This guide, put together by Edge’s tea experts, teaches you how to make iced tea at home with two easy-to-follow methods.

Along the way, we’ll cover which teas work best, how to sweeten without fuss, what to know about caffeine, and how to keep your tea fresh.

How Do You Make Iced Tea?

Making iced tea at home is straightforward once you know the basics. This recipe gives you 1 litre to share and works with either loose leaf or tea bags.

What you’ll need:

• Your choice of tea, loose-leaf or tea bags

• Fresh water

• A heatproof jug or pan

• A fine strainer if you’re using loose-leaf tea

• A 1 litre jug or bottle

• Optional sweetener such as sugar, simple syrup, or honey

• Ice for serving

Stevie at EDGE says:

“Loose leaf often rewards you with more depth and complexity, but a good tea bag brewed carefully can still make a brilliant iced tea.”

The EDGE Method

This is the fastest way to make iced tea. You brew a strong concentrate, then cool it down and top up with cold water. The result is crisp, refreshing tea that’s ready the same day.

Steps for 1 litre:

1. Add 12 g loose-leaf tea (or 4–6 bags) to a heatproof jug.

2. Pour over 500 ml freshly boiled water for black or herbal teas, or water at 75–80°C for green tea.

3. Steep for the right time: 3–4 minutes for black, 2–3 minutes for green, 5–7 minutes for herbal or fruit.

4. Strain the tea or remove the bags straight away. If you’re using loose leaf, a good tea brewer or infuser makes this step easy.

5. Stir in sweetener if using. A good starting point is 2–3 tablespoons of simple syrup (or to taste). Simple syrup blends best while warm.

6. Add 500 ml of cold water, then chill until cold.

7. Serve over plenty of ice with lemon, mint, or fresh fruit if you like.

EDGE Tips:

• Stick to the times above to avoid bitterness.

• Do not squeeze tea bags; it releases tannins that make tea harsh!

• If you’re serving over lots of ice, keep the recipe as is. For fewer ice cubes, add a splash of more cold water after tasting.

Stevie at EDGE says:
“Iced tea works best when it’s balanced. Brew it with enough strength to carry flavour once chilled, then adjust sweetness and ice to taste.”

Give Your Homemade Iced Tea An EDGE

A few small details make all the difference between an average jug of iced tea and one that tastes clean and refreshing.

• Water temperature: Match the heat to the tea. Black and herbal teas need near-boiling water (95–100°C), green tea prefers 75–80°C, and oolong sits in between.

• Tannins: These natural compounds give tea structure but can turn harsh if the leaves steep too long. Stick to the times suggested in each method.

• Cloudiness: If iced tea looks cloudy once chilled, don’t worry! It’s usually the natural oils that bind with cold water. Adding a splash of hot water or a squeeze of lemon clears it quickly.

What’s the Best Tea for Iced Tea?

Almost any tea can be made into a great homemade iced tea. Whichever one you choose will have a big impact on the flavour.

• Black tea makes a bold, classic iced tea with brisk character.

• Green tea gives a lighter, fresher drink with a gentle lift.

• Herbal tea and fruit tea are naturally caffeine-free and often taste sweeter, making them great for all-day sipping.

• Oolong tea can be more delicate, but cold brewing brings out its subtle notes beautifully.

Loose leaf often delivers more depth of flavour, though tea bags are convenient and easy to measure. Both work well with the recipes above.

Sweetening the Deal

Iced tea can be enjoyed plain, but a touch of sweetness or a hint of fruit can lift it even further. Simple syrup is the easiest way to sweeten cold drinks because it blends evenly, while honey, sugar, or sugar-free syrups also work well. Fresh fruit and herbs can add another layer without complicating the recipe.

• Simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water): quick to make, dissolves easily. Start with 2–3 tablespoons per litre.

• Rich syrup (2:1 sugar to water): a little sweeter, keeps longer in the fridge.

• Honey or agave syrup: add a softer, natural sweetness.

• Caster sugar: only works if stirred into hot tea while still warm.

• Sugar-free syrups or alternatives: blend well and keep flavour without added sugar.

Fruit and Herb Pairings

Fresh ingredients can transform a jug of iced tea. Try:

• Lemon slices with black tea

• Mint with green or oolong tea

• Berries with fruit tea

• Ginger with herbal blends

Stevie at EDGE says:
“Don’t be afraid to play with fruit or herbs. Even a simple sprig of mint or a slice of ginger can transform a jug of iced tea.”

FAQs About Making Iced Tea

How long does iced tea last in the fridge?

When chilled promptly in a clean, sealed container, homemade iced tea typically stays good for 3 to 5 days. Even under ideal conditions, aim to finish it inside that window. After that, both microbial risk and flavour deterioration rise.

Is iced tea healthy?

Tea offers antioxidants like polyphenols and can be a better choice than sugary soft drinks, especially when consumed unsweetened or lightly sweetened. Be mindful: added sugar or syrup increases calories. Also, if you’re sensitive to caffeine, choose herbal or decaf options.

Does iced tea have caffeine?

Yes, most iced teas made from traditional tea leaves contain caffeine. On average, a brewed iced tea from black tea often has about 47 mg per 8-ounce (≈ 240 ml) serving, though this value can be higher or lower depending on tea strength, steeping time, leaf quality, and dilution.

Which tea has the least caffeine for iced tea?

Herbal and fruit infusions are naturally caffeine-free. Among true teas, green generally has lower caffeine than black or oolong, though extraction, leaf grade, and steeping all affect the final amount.

Steeping Off

Making iced tea at home is straightforward once you know the basics. With just tea, water, and time, you can prepare a jug that tastes clean, refreshing, and perfectly balanced.

It’s easy to adjust strength, add a touch of syrup or honey, or drop in fresh fruit and herbs to make it your own!

The key is to keep it simple and enjoy the process. Once you’ve tried the recipe, you’ll know just how you like your iced tea, and it will be ready to share whenever the moment calls for it.