Mint Iced Tea
Ingredients
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- 1 cups fresh mint – leaves picked
- 8 cups water
- 6 tea bags black tea bags
- 1 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cups water
- ice cubes – for serving
- fresh mint sprigs – for serving
- 1 lemon – sliced (for serving)
Instructions
1. Rinse the mint and pick enough leaves to firmly fill 1 cup; set the sprigs reserved for garnish aside.
2. Bring 8 cups of water to a boil in a pot. Remove from heat, add the black tea bags and the 1 cup mint leaves, cover, and steep for 5 minutes.
3. Lift out and discard the tea bags without squeezing to avoid bitterness. Let the mint continue steeping for 5 minutes more, then strain the tea into a 2-quart pitcher and discard the mint.
4. Make a simple syrup: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup water and the sugar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves, 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and cool 5 minutes.
5. Stir the warm simple syrup into the mint tea. Refrigerate until thoroughly chilled, about 2 hours, or until cold to the touch.
6. Serve the mint iced tea over ice cubes. Garnish each glass with a fresh mint sprig and a lemon slice.
Mint iced tea is a refreshing, herb-lifted take on classic iced black tea. The cool aroma of fresh mint softens the tea’s tannins, while a gentle sweetness rounds out the finish without weighing it down. Poured over clinking ice and brightened with a lemon slice, it’s crisp, clean, and exceptionally thirst-quenching on hot days.
Though tea with mint is beloved in many cultures, the chilled, black-tea version is closely tied to American iced tea traditions, especially in the South where sweet tea and porch hospitality go hand in hand. Mint found an early home in summer entertaining—from garden lunches to derby-week spreads—adding fragrance and elegance to a simple brew. Over time, mint iced tea became a warm-weather staple at picnics, potlucks, and family gatherings across the United States.