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The Recipe · No.284 · Iced Tea

Iced Tea, and where to source it

Iced Tea — 5best2buy.com 5BEST2BUY.COM Iced Tea American 5best2buy.com

Bitter iced tea comes from oversteeping or water that's too hot, not from the tea itself. Steep black tea at just under a boil for no more than 5 minutes, then pull the leaves the moment it's done.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep5 min
Cook5 min
Makes8 servings
CuisineAmerican
Cost$
VegetarianGluten-freeDairy-free
Make it vegan: maple syrup for the honey.
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 8 servings
Our ratio, your call. The amounts below are a tested starting point — a version, not the one and only. Anything tagged to taste is the knob you turn: start there, then make it yours.
Black tea
Loose black tea or good bags; the leaf quality is what you'll taste all pitcher long.
6 bags or 2 tbsprecommended
Source it →
Raw honey
Dissolve it in the hot tea before chilling so it doesn't sink to the bottom.
1/4 cuprecommended
Source it →
Lemon
Fresh lemon brightens the whole pitcher; bottled tastes dull.
1, slicedrecommended
Source it →
Fresh mint
A few sprigs steeped with the tea add a cooling top note.
handfulrecommended
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Filtered water
Clean water keeps the tea clear and clean-tasting.
8 cupsrecommended
Local / market
The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● Barely a splurge
A light hand — your arteries say thanks.
EffortEasy
Cook it with
No-cook
The Method
  1. Heat the waterBring 4 cups water to just under a boil, around 200F, then take it off the heat.
  2. Steep 5 minutesAdd the tea and mint, steep exactly 5 min, then remove the leaves; longer turns it tannic.
  3. Sweeten and chillStir in honey while hot, add 4 cups cold water and lemon, and refrigerate until cold.
The Toolkit

Large pitcher · Kettle · Fine strainer · Wooden spoon

Straight Answers
Can you make Iced Tea ahead of time? — Partly

You can batch the mix and keep it cold, but add the ice, soda, and garnish and shake or stir to order — a made-up drink goes flat and watery if it sits.

Is Iced Tea gluten-free? — Yes

Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.

Is Iced Tea vegan? — Vegetarian, not vegan

It’s vegetarian but not vegan as written — it has honey. Make it vegan: maple syrup for the honey.

Community Notes

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© 2026 5best2buy.com · Recipe No.284

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