When the heat rises, nothing is more refreshing than a chilled glass of Iced Lemon Tea. With its perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and mildly bitter flavors, this tea is an instant pick-me-up for hot summer days. Whether you’re lounging at home or hosting a party, this drink is quick to make and always a crowd-pleaser!
Why Lemon Iced Tea is Perfect for Summer
Lemon iced tea is not just a drink — it’s a refreshing and revitalizing summer essential. The combination of cooling black tea, zesty lemon, and just the right amount of sweetness makes it a perfect alternative to sugary sodas.
The citrusy tang of lemon enhances the tea’s flavor while providing a boost of vitamin C, making it both delicious and nourishing.
In cities like Chennai where the summers are long and intense, hydrating beverages are a must—and iced lemon tea is a go-to. It’s light, flavourful, and can be whipped up quickly.
You’ll often see it served in roadside juice shops and cafés alike, especially when the heat becomes relentless. It’s refreshing, energising, and has just the right amount of zing to perk you up.
Lemon tea has its roots in both eastern and western traditions—used as a warming brew in colder months and transformed into a chilled version as iced tea in warmer climates.
When cooled and sweetened, it becomes a perfect afternoon refresher or a healthier alternative to sugary colas.
The Benefits of Lemon in Iced Tea
Lemon isn’t just for taste—it brings numerous health benefits to your iced tea
- Rich in Vitamin C – Helps boost immunity and keeps your skin glowing.
- Aids Digestion – Lemon juice can soothe digestion and refresh the body.
- Detoxifying Effect – It helps flush out toxins and keeps you hydrated.
What Goes Into the Tea Pot
- Black Tea Granules: The bold base flavour of this tea; slightly bitter and earthy, which balances the lemon’s tang.
- Lemon Juice: Brings brightness and acidity, cutting through the sweetness.
- Sugar Syrup: Adds sweetness without any graininess, so the tea stays smooth.
- Lemon Skin: Releases oils for a citrusy aroma and deeper lemon flavour.
- Mint Leaves: Adds a cool freshness that lifts the whole drink.
- Ice Cubes: Essential for that crisp, chilled finish.
How to Make Iced Lemon Tea
Start by making your sugar syrup. Just take some water in a saucepan, drop in sugar and a bit of lemon peel for that fragrant citrus kick. Boil it gently till the sugar dissolves completely, then let it cool. 💡 Pro Tip: Add a few fresh mint leaves once the heat’s off—they infuse beautifully while it cools down.
Meanwhile, brew your tea. Use loose black tea or granules, boil it in water until it reaches that perfect amber colour and smells rich and earthy. Strain it and let it cool too.
Now, just mix it all up. Pour your syrup into the brewed tea, add a good squeeze of lemon juice, and stir it well. Taste it—adjust sweetness or tang as per your liking.
To serve, fill a glass with ice cubes, lemon slices, and mint. Pour in the lemon tea, and you’ve got yourself a glass of sunshine.
How to Serve It
Serve chilled in tall glasses with plenty of ice, garnished with fresh mint leaves and thin lemon slices. It also works great in a mason jar or a glass bottle for a picnic.
What Pairs Well With Lemon Iced Tea
- Finger sandwiches
- Grilled paneer or chicken skewers
- Light snacks like masala peanuts or khakhras
- Fruit salads
It’s a versatile drink that works with most light, summery foods.
How to Pack for Lunch or Travel
Pour the cooled iced tea into an insulated flask or bottle to keep it chilled for hours. If packing in lunchboxes, store the lemon slices and mint separately and add them just before drinking so they stay fresh and bright.
Making It for a Crowd
Planning a summer get-together? Brew the tea and prepare the sugar syrup in advance (you can even make both in bulk). Keep the mixture chilled in the fridge.
At serving time, just mix, garnish, and pour over ice. You can also create a DIY iced tea bar where guests can add their own lemon, mint, or even fruit slices for fun variations.
Lemon Iced Tea is more than just a drink—it’s a cool escape in a glass. Make it, sip it, share it—and keep the heat at bay in the most delicious way possible.
Iced Lemon Tea
Description
A refreshing summer cooler made with black tea, lemon juice, and sugar syrup—served chilled over ice with mint and lemon slices. Perfectly tangy, mildly sweet, and incredibly hydrating!
Ingredients
To Make Sugar Syrup
To Make Lemon Iced Tea
Instructions
Prep Work
-
Wash the lemon
Rinse the lemon thoroughly under running water
-
Peel the lemon
Carefully remove the skin using a peeler or knife. -
Extract lemon juice
Cut the lemon and squeeze out the juice. Strain to remove pulp and seeds.
-
Gather ingredients
Measure and set aside all ingredients for easy access.
Method
-
Heat the water
Take water in a saucepan and heat it.
-
Add sugar
Add sugar to the water and stir well. -
Infuse with lemon skin
Add lemon skin to the saucepan. -
Boil the syrup
Boil the mixture of sweet syrup. -
Add mint and turn off heat
Turn off the stove and add mint sprigs.
-
Brew the tea
Take another container, add water, and tea granules. -
Boil and strain tea
Boil the tea for 5 minutes and strain into a bowl. -
Mix tea and sugar syrup
Strain and Add prepared sugar syrup into the black tea and mix it well.
-
Add lemon juice
Stir in fresh lemon juice and let it cool completely. -
Assemble the drink
Place ice cubes, lemon slices, and mint leaves in a glass.
-
Pour and serve
Pour the cooled lemon tea into the glass and serve chilled.
Equipment
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Nutrition Facts
Servings 2
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 120kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Sodium 5mg1%
- Potassium 35mg1%
- Total Carbohydrate 32g11%
- Sugars 30g
- Vitamin C 8 mg
- Calcium 5 mg
- Magnesium 2 mg
- Manganese 0.3 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.