Best Ever Homemade Iced Tea Concentrate

This homemade iced tea concentrate recipe is simply the best iced tea I’ve ever tasted. It is sweet, strong, and tastes like tea, and is completely adaptable to your preferences. This refreshing tea is perfect for those hot summer days, or anytime you need something a little special.

When I first tasted this homemade iced tea at a friend’s house many years ago, I had to ask for the recipe. I knew I never had to look for another iced tea recipe ever again. But of course, I’ve played around with it and added some extra refreshing herbs to it.

Tips for Making Homemade Iced Tea

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To make the best homemade iced tea concentrate, start with a heat proof gallon container (jar, pot). Add the tea bags and a fistful of herbs.

Mint is known for its cooling properties. It can also be either calming or invigorating, depending on what your body needs at that time. Amazing! Spearmint, which I have, has the same benefits.

I’ve also added other herbs as they are available, or whatever I feel like at the time. Giant hyssop is a native plant here and tastes like licorice. Pineapple weed tastes like its name suggests, and adds a tropical flavour. Basil is surprisingly refreshing and can be used on its own or combined with mint.

Or hold off on the herbs and add lemon or lime after the steeping time for a classic hit of citrus.  

As for tea, grab your favourite brand of black, orange pekoe tea. A good quality tea will produce a stronger tea, so don’t skimp. 

I usually use half regular tea, and half decaffeinated tea, otherwise the caffeine grabs hold and hangs on long after the company has left and I wish I was asleep.

Add boiling water to fill the jar with the tea and herbs. Cover lightly to keep the essential oils in the herbs from evaporating, to keep their medicinal benefits. Do not cover tightly – steam pressure must be able to escape. Y’all know this.

Steep for 30 minutes. Remove tea bags and herbs. Leaving tea bags too long will produce bitter tea (as will agitating the tea bags).

Add sugar or sweetener while the tea is still hot and stir until it is dissolved. Other sweeteners can be used. I’ve used honey, or half honey (that’s a lot of honey) or stevia.

You can decrease the amount of sweetener as well, but the dilution ratio will decrease.

Add lemon or lime juice if desired. Cool and refrigerate.

Homemade iced tea concentrate will keep in the fridge for several weeks, but it won’t last that long, so you may as well make a whole recipe! (Ok, I’ve made a half recipe in a pinch.)

To mix up some delicious homemade iced tea, dilute with a ratio of 1:4 concentrate to water. Adjust to taste from there.

Relax in your favourite outdoor spot – your favourite lawn chair, by the pool, or fireside. Gather with family and friends or take a moment of peace and quiet. Take in summer and the best ever homemade iced tea.

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