There’s nothing quite like a tall, frosty glass of Iced Tea Lemonade on a warm day. It’s the perfect balance of smooth brewed tea and zesty fresh lemon juice, lightly sweetened to bring all the flavors together. This drink captures the taste of sunshine — crisp, tangy, and deeply refreshing. Whether you’re hosting a backyard brunch, lounging by the pool, or simply need a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, this easy drink recipe will hit the spot every single time.

Forget the powdered mixes or pre-bottled versions — this homemade Iced Tea Lemonade is made from simple, real ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. With just a few steps and a little patience while the tea cools, you’ll have a pitcher of golden, thirst-quenching perfection ready to serve.

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Why You’ll Love This Drink

• Naturally refreshing: The smoothness of black tea and the brightness of lemon make the perfect duo.
• Simple ingredients: You only need tea, lemons, sugar, and water — no fancy syrups or additives.
• Customizable sweetness: You can easily adjust how sweet or tart you like it.
• Perfect for any occasion: Ideal for picnics, family gatherings, barbecues, or quiet afternoons.
• Make-ahead friendly: This drink stays delicious and chilled in the fridge for hours.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the tea base :

• 4 black tea bags (English Breakfast or similar)
• 2 cups boiling water

For the lemonade:

• 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4–5 lemons)
• 1 cup simple syrup (see below)
• 1½ cups cold water

For serving:

• Ice cubes
• Lemon slices (optional, for garnish)
• Fresh mint sprigs (optional)

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How to Make Simple Syrup

Homemade simple syrup is easy and makes all the difference in taste.
Just mix 1 cup of granulated sugar with 1 cup of boiling water, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
Let it cool before adding it to your drink. You can store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to two weeks — perfect for sweetening other drinks, like iced coffee or cocktails.

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Step-by-Step Instructions :

Step 1: Brew the Tea

Start by boiling two cups of water. Add the black tea bags and steep them for about 4–5 minutes, depending on how strong you prefer your tea. Remove the tea bags and let the brewed tea cool to room temperature. For faster chilling, place it in the refrigerator for about 15–20 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Lemonade

While the tea is cooling, combine fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and 1½ cups of cold water in a large pitcher. Stir well until everything is evenly mixed. The flavor should be bright and balanced — taste it and adjust by adding more syrup for sweetness or more lemon juice for tartness.

Step 3: Combine and Chill

Once your tea has cooled, pour it into the lemonade mixture. Stir gently until well blended. The result should be a lovely golden-amber color with a refreshing aroma of citrus and tea.

If you have time, let the drink chill in the fridge for another 30 minutes before serving — the flavors will meld beautifully and become even smoother.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Fill glasses with ice cubes, pour in your Iced Tea Lemonade, and garnish with lemon slices and fresh mint leaves for a vibrant touch. Take a sip and enjoy that perfect mix of tangy lemon and mellow tea.

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Tips for the Best Iced Tea Lemonade

• Use fresh lemons — bottled lemon juice can’t compare to the bright, natural taste of freshly squeezed juice.
• Avoid over-steeping your tea — it can turn bitter. Stick to 4–5 minutes for a smooth flavor.
• Try flavored teas such as peach, mint, or green tea if you’d like to give your drink a twist.
• Chill everything — using cold water, cold syrup, and cooled tea will help your lemonade stay crisp and refreshing longer.
• Serve in a glass pitcher to show off its color — it looks as good as it tastes.

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Variations to Try

• Sparkling Iced Tea Lemonade: Replace half the water with chilled sparkling water for a fizzy twist.
• Berry Iced Tea Lemonade: Add crushed raspberries or strawberries before serving for a fruity burst.
• Herbal Infusion: Add a few sprigs of mint, basil, or lavender while steeping the tea for a subtle herbal note.
• Sweet Tea Lemonade: Use Southern-style sweet tea as your base for an extra-bold version.

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Make-Ahead & Storage

You can make this Iced Tea Lemonade recipe a day in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. Stir before serving, as the lemon juice may settle slightly at the bottom. If you’re making it for a large group, simply double or triple the quantities — it scales up perfectly without losing flavor.

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Serving Suggestions

This refreshing drink pairs beautifully with light summer meals — think grilled chicken, seafood, or garden salads. It also complements sweet treats like lemon bars, vanilla cupcakes, or shortbread cookies. Serve it at picnics, afternoon teas, or summer parties for an instant crowd-pleaser.

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Summary

This Iced Tea Lemonade recipe combines the timeless comfort of black tea with the zesty brightness of lemonade. It’s simple, elegant, and endlessly refreshing — the kind of drink that turns an ordinary afternoon into something special. Once you taste how fresh and balanced it is, you’ll never reach for store-bought mixes again.

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