Description
Refreshing Cranberry Iced Tea with homemade syrup, strong black tea, and lemon. Perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 cups water, divided
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 black tea bags
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 3–4 lemons)
- Ice cubes, for serving
- Fresh cranberries and lemon slices, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Combine 4 cups of water, the cranberries, and the sugar in a medium saucepan.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst and the liquid has thickened slightly.
- Remove from heat and carefully pour the cranberry mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a heat-resistant bowl or jar. Press on the cranberries to extract as much juice as possible. Discard the solids.
- Let the cranberry syrup cool completely. Refrigerate to speed up the process.
- Bring the remaining 4 cups of water to a boil.
- Pour the boiling water over the tea bags in a heat-resistant pitcher or large measuring cup.
- Steep for 5-7 minutes, depending on desired strength.
- Remove tea bags and discard.
- Allow the tea to cool to room temperature. Refrigerate to speed up the process.
- In a large pitcher, combine the cooled cranberry syrup and the cooled tea.
- Stir in the fresh lemon juice. Adjust the amount to your taste.
- Stir well to ensure that the syrup and lemon juice are evenly distributed.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving (optional).
- Fill glasses with ice cubes. Pour the Cranberry Iced Tea over the ice.
- Garnish with fresh cranberries and lemon slices, if desired.
Notes
- Adjust the sweetness by using more or less sugar in the cranberry syrup.
- Experiment with different types of tea, such as green tea or herbal tea.
- For a fizzy twist, top off each glass with sparkling water or club soda.
- Add orange slices to the cranberry syrup while simmering for a citrusy flavor.
- Add a cinnamon stick or cloves to the cranberry syrup for a spiced flavor.
- For an adult version, add a shot of vodka, gin, or rum to each glass.
- Blend with ice for a refreshing slushie.
- Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh.
- The cranberry syrup and tea can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Get creative with garnishes like rosemary, mint, or orange twists.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes