How many tea bags per litre of iced tea?

Use 4 tea bags per litre of water. Because iced tea is diluted by ice when served, you want it slightly stronger than hot tea. If using loose leaf tea, use about 4 teaspoons (12g) per litre.

Why should I steep in hot water rather than cold?

Hot water extracts flavour and colour much more quickly and efficiently. Steep in freshly boiled water (or slightly cooled for green tea), then cool to room temperature before refrigerating. Cold-steeping is possible but takes 8-12 hours.

How do I prevent cloudy iced tea?

Cloudiness occurs when tea cools too quickly. Let it cool to room temperature naturally before refrigerating. Adding a small amount of boiling water to cloudy tea can clear it. Using filtered water also helps.

How long does homemade iced tea last?

Sweetened iced tea keeps for 3-5 days in the fridge. Unsweetened lasts slightly longer, up to a week. It is best consumed within 2-3 days for optimal flavour.

Can I use cold brew for iced tea?

Yes, place tea bags in cold water and refrigerate for 8-12 hours. Cold-brewed tea is smoother and less bitter because cold water extracts fewer tannins. Use the same number of tea bags as for hot brewing.

How much sugar should I add?

The calculator uses 75g per litre as a middle ground. Traditional Southern-style sweet tea uses 100-150g per litre. For a lightly sweetened version, try 50g. Always dissolve sugar in the hot tea before cooling for the best result.

BakeCalcs

Iced Tea Calculator

Calculate tea, water, and sugar quantities for iced tea by batch size and tea type.

Batch Size

Tea Type

Sweetened

Add sugar (75g per litre)

How We Calculate This

The calculator uses a ratio of 4 tea bags per litre of water, with adjustable sweetness. Steeping times vary by tea type to avoid bitterness.

Steep Times

Black tea: 5 minutes in freshly boiled water
Green tea: 3 minutes in water cooled to 80C
Herbal / fruit tea: 7 minutes in freshly boiled water

Method

Boil water and steep tea bags for the recommended time
Remove tea bags — do not squeeze them (causes bitterness)
Stir in sugar while the tea is hot
Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate
Serve over ice with lemon slices or fresh mint

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are based on standard ratios and conversions. Results may vary with specific ingredients, equipment, and conditions.