Ingredients:

  • 4 cups filtered water
  • 5 bags high-quality black tea
  • 0.125 tsp baking soda
  • 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 150g granulated white sugar
  • 1 cup water for simple syrup
  • Zest of 2 lemons
  • 2 cups ice cubes
  • 6 sprigs fresh mint
  • 6 thin lemon wheels

Instructions:

  1. Bring 4 cups of filtered water to approximately 200°F (93°C). Remove from heat and stir in the baking soda.
  2. Add tea bags or loose-leaf tea to the water. Steep for exactly 5 minutes, then remove tea to prevent bitterness. Let the concentrate cool to room temperature.
  3. In a small saucepan, combine 150g sugar, 1 cup of water, and lemon zest strips. Heat over medium until sugar is completely dissolved to create a citrus-infused simple syrup.
  4. Strain the lemon zest from the syrup and combine the syrup with 1 cup of fresh lemon juice in a large pitcher.
  5. Pour the cooled tea concentrate into the lemon mixture and stir well to achieve the golden 1:1 flavor profile.
  6. Serve in tall glasses filled with ice. Garnish with fresh mint sprigs and lemon wheels.