Lemon Vanilla Black Iced Tea Recipe

Introduction

There is nothing quite as refreshing as a cold glass of homemade iced tea on a sunny day. This Lemon Vanilla Black Iced Tea combines smooth vanilla-infused black tea with tangy lemonade for a perfectly balanced, lightly sweetened summer drink. Using a cold brew method ensures a rich flavor without bitterness, making it a delightful treat to enjoy anytime.

A clear short glass holds a chilled drink with two visible layers: the bottom layer is a pale yellow color, smooth and slightly cloudy, while the top layer is a warm amber tone. Inside the glass, there are three large, clear ice cubes floating near the top, and a thin round slice of bright yellow lemon pressed against the inner side, clearly visible through the glass. A transparent straw leans on one side of the glass, slightly submerged in the liquid. The glass sits on a blue terrazzo coaster, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • About 400ml filtered water
  • 2-3 tsp Sirocco vanilla black tea
  • 15g sugar
  • 200ml water (warm, for lemonade)
  • 50g fresh lemon juice
  • Ice cubes
  • Fresh lemon slices (optional)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place the filtered water and vanilla black tea into a jar or container. Stir gently and let it steep overnight in the fridge using the cold brew method.
  2. Step 2: For the lemonade, dissolve sugar in warm water. Allow it to cool, then add fresh lemon juice and mix well.
  3. Step 3: Fill a glass with ice cubes. Pour in about 150ml of the lemonade, adjusting the amount to your liking. Add lemon slices if desired.
  4. Step 4: Top up the glass with the cold brewed vanilla black tea infusion. Stir gently and enjoy your refreshing iced tea.

Tips & Variations

  • Use a high-quality vanilla black tea to enhance the flavor profile and ensure a rich, smooth taste.
  • The cold brew method prevents bitterness and creates a smoother, more intense vanilla flavor than hot brewing.
  • Filtered water improves the overall taste and clarity of your iced tea.
  • Adjust sweetness by adding more or less sugar to the lemonade according to your preference.
  • Try adding fresh mint leaves or a splash of sparkling water for a different twist.

Storage

You can store the vanilla black tea infusion in the fridge for up to one week. Keep it covered in a sealed container to maintain freshness. When ready to enjoy, simply combine with freshly made lemonade and ice. Homemade lemonade is best consumed within a day for optimal flavor, but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat is not recommended as this is best served cold.

How to Serve

A clear glass filled with a layered drink sits on a round white plate. The bottom layer is a pale yellow liquid, smooth and translucent, making up about half the glass. Above it, there is a warm amber-colored liquid that fades gently into the yellow below, forming a soft gradient. Several large, clear ice cubes float at the top, adding shine and texture, and a thin, round slice of lemon is pressed against the inside of the glass, visible through the drink on the left side. A transparent straw is placed in the drink on the right side. The glass is set on a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular black tea instead of vanilla black tea?

Yes, you can use regular black tea, but the vanilla flavor adds a subtle sweetness and depth that complements the lemonade beautifully. To mimic the vanilla note, you could add a small amount of vanilla extract to your lemonade or tea.

Why do you recommend the cold brew method for this iced tea?

The cold brew method produces a smooth, intense flavor without the bitterness that can result from over-steeping tea in hot water. It also preserves the delicate vanilla notes and creates a cleaner, more refreshing iced tea.

Print
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Lemon Vanilla Black Iced Tea Recipe


  • Author: Julian
  • Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes to 12 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 1 to 2 cups 1x

Description

This refreshing Lemon Vanilla Black Iced Tea combines smooth cold-brewed vanilla-infused black tea with homemade lemonade for a perfectly balanced, naturally sweetened summer drink. Using the cold brew method to steep the tea ensures a robust flavor without bitterness, while the fresh lemonade adds a bright citrusy touch. It’s a customizable, cost-effective, and healthier alternative to store-bought iced teas.


Ingredients

Scale

Vanilla Black Tea

  • 400ml filtered water
  • 23 tsp Sirocco vanilla black tea (loose leaf)

Homemade Lemonade

  • 15g sugar
  • 200ml warm water (for dissolving sugar)
  • 50g fresh lemon juice (about 12 lemons)
  • Ice cubes, as needed
  • Fresh lemon slices, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cold Brew the Tea: Combine 400ml filtered water and 2-3 teaspoons of Sirocco vanilla black tea in a jar or container. Stir gently, then cover and place it in the fridge to steep overnight, allowing the flavors to develop without bitterness.
  2. Prepare the Lemonade: Dissolve 15g of sugar in 200ml of warm water. Once fully dissolved, let the mixture cool to room temperature. Stir in 50g of freshly squeezed lemon juice and mix thoroughly to create a fresh lemonade base.
  3. Assemble the Drink: Fill a glass with ice cubes. Pour approximately 150ml of the homemade lemonade over the ice, adjusting the amount based on your glass size and desired sweetness.
  4. Top with Tea: Gently add the cold-brewed vanilla black tea infusion to fill the rest of the glass. Garnish with fresh lemon slices if desired, and serve immediately for a refreshing iced tea experience.
  5. Storage Tip: Store any leftover cold-brewed tea in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to one week to enjoy more flavorful iced tea on demand.

Notes

  • Use high-quality loose leaf tea for best flavor and aroma.
  • The cold brew method prevents bitterness common with hot steeping over extended periods.
  • Filtered water enhances the clean taste of your iced tea.
  • Adjust sweetness by modifying sugar quantity in the lemonade.
  • Leftover tea can be reused or stored for up to one week in the fridge.
  • Experiment with different tea varieties and flavor infusions for personalized iced tea recipes.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8-12 hours (steeping time overnight)
  • Category: Drinks
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: iced tea, cold brew tea, vanilla black tea, homemade lemonade, refreshing summer drink, lemon vanilla iced tea, natural iced tea, easy iced tea recipe

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