During those hot summer days when you’re craving a refreshing beverage, this homemade Iced Tea Syrup Concentrate will become your new go-to. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a versatile syrup that can be stored in the fridge for whenever you want to whip up a quick and delicious iced tea. Ready to elevate your tea game? Let’s get started!
**Iced Tea Syrup Concentrate**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup water
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 4 black tea bags
– 1 lemon, sliced
– Fresh mint leaves (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. Start by combining the water and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the sugar is completely dissolved, creating a simple syrup base.
2. Once the sugar has dissolved, add the tea bags to the saucepan. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 5 minutes, infusing the simple syrup with the rich flavors of the black tea.
3. After 5 minutes, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the tea bags steep for an additional 5-7 minutes. The longer the steeping time, the stronger the tea flavor will be in the syrup.
4. Carefully remove the tea bags from the syrup, gently pressing them against the side of the saucepan to extract any excess liquid. Discard the tea bags.
5. Add the sliced lemon to the syrup, stirring gently to incorporate the citrus essence. If desired, you can also toss in some fresh mint leaves for an extra burst of flavor.
6. Allow the syrup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to a clean glass jar or bottle. Store the Iced Tea Syrup Concentrate in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
To enjoy a glass of iced tea, simply dilute the syrup with cold water, adjusting the sweetness to your preference. Serve the iced tea over ice, garnishing with fresh lemon slices and mint leaves for a beautiful presentation.
Now that you have this homemade Iced Tea Syrup Concentrate on hand, you can easily whip up a refreshing beverage whenever the craving strikes. Experiment with different variations by adding fruit slices or herbs to create unique flavor profiles. Cheers to staying cool and hydrated all summer long with this delightful syrup at your fingertips!
