This lemon iced tea is the perfect, refreshing beverage for a party, outdoor event, or just to keep in the fridge! It’s lightly sweetened (but not too sweet) and boasts a delightful lemon flavor complemented by the juice of sweet clementines.
The Search for the Perfect Lemon Iced Tea
Iced tea has been a favorite of mine for years. Back in the 90s, when fountain drinks were a treat, my go-to choices were either Brisk lemon iced tea or whatever peach or raspberry tea was available.
Those drinks were incredibly sweet—I often diluted them even as a child! I first realized just how much sugar was in a 20-ounce cup during a visit to T.G.I. Friday’s, where my iced tea craving led me to unsweetened tea. My aunt suggested I add sugar packets, but no matter how many I used, it never seemed sweet enough.
My taste for sweetness has certainly changed since those days of neon leggings and Saturday morning cartoons, but my love for iced tea remains strong!
This lemon iced tea recipe strikes all the right chords for me. It offers a fresher, healthier, and much less sweet alternative to the Brisk of my childhood. The taste is lemon-forward without being sour or bitter.
The secret lies in the addition of clementine juice. You could also opt for mandarin oranges, tangerines, or even a very sweet orange. It’s like enjoying the flavor of a fancy Meyer lemon without the hefty price tag!
A Staple for Entertaining
This iced tea has become my go-to for summer entertaining because:
- It’s a major crowd-pleaser—everyone loves it!
- I can easily make it at home with ingredients I usually have on hand.
- It doesn’t create the waste associated with canned or bottled beverages.
- Serving homemade iced tea feels special for guests, evoking a sense of warm hospitality and simpler times, even though I’m not from the South where sweet tea reigns.
Lemon Iced Tea Recipe Instructions
Begin by adding 4 cups of hot water and tea bags to a covered container. Allow the tea to steep for 1 hour. Alternatively, you can cover the tea bags with 4 cups of room temperature water and steep in the refrigerator overnight.
Tip!
I prefer brewing iced tea in a medium pot or saucepan (or even a stockpot for larger batches). Bring the water to a boil, add the tea bags, cover the pot, and you’re done! This method saves on dishes and eliminates the need for multiple containers.
Next, stir in the lemon juice, clementine juice, and agave nectar.
Pour the mixture into glasses filled with ice and add lemon slices. Serve and enjoy!
