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+ servings
Two jars of iced tea concentrate side by side.
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4.70 from 13 votes

Easy Iced Tea Concentrate (Make Ahead!)

Iced Tea Concentrate is hands down the easiest way to have a cold pitcher of iced tea ready at all times. Mix it up with different flavor combos, infuse with fresh fruit and herbs, or add in flavored syrups to make it your own. Whether you're serving tea at your next party, picnic, BBQ, or pool party, look no further!
Prep Time5 minutes
Steeping Time5 hours
Total Time5 hours 5 minutes
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Servings: 8 (1 gallon of tea)
Calories: 4kcal

Ingredients

  • 16 cups water divided (2 cups for concentrate, 14 cups for turning it into tea later on)
  • 12 single size tea bags various flavors (see notes for flavor combination ideas)

Instructions

Sun Tea Concentrate

  • Place 2 cups of water in a jar. Add the tea bags making sure to keep the paper tags out of the water. Screw on the lid tightly. Place in a bright sunny spot for 4-6 hours.
  • Unscrew the lid and remove the tea bags, gently squeezing to remove excess liquid. Put the lid back on and store in the refrigerator for up to a week. When it is time to serve, add the concentrate and 14 cups water to a gallon sized pitcher. Serve over ice.

Stovetop Tea Concentrate

  • Place 2 cups of water in a pan. Heat water until it is almost boiling. Turn off heat and add the tea bags making sure to keep the paper tags out of the water. Allow to steep for 1-2 hours.
  • Remove the tea bags, gently squeezing to remove excess liquid. Pour into a glass jar. Put the lid back on and store in the refrigerator for up to a week. When it is time to serve add the concentrate and 14 cups water to a gallon sized pitcher. Serve over ice.

Notes

Variation and Flavor Ideas:
For Black Tea: 12 single sized black tea bags (or 4 family size bags)
For Green Tea: 12 single sized green tea bags
For Fruit Flavored Tea: 6 single sized black tea bags (or 2 family sized bags) + 4 single sized green tea bags + 2 single sized fruit flavored tea bags 
Favorite fruit flavors: Cranberry Pomegranate, Wild Berry Zinger, Citrus Sunrise
 
Simple syrup for sweetening - Heat equal amounts of water and sugar together until sugar is dissolved. Sweeten individual glasses of iced tea to taste.

Nutrition

Calories: 4kcal | Sodium: 24mg | Calcium: 14mg