Tea Chest Recipe

Bring water to a boil

Pour 16 cups of water into a large pot (at least 6-quart/5.7 L). Set over high heat and bring to a rolling boil.

Steep teas

Remove the pot from heat. Add 8 black tea bags and 4 green tea bags (if using) to the hot water. Cover and steep for 8 minutes for a robust flavor; steep up to 10 minutes for stronger brew. If using loose leaf, use about 8 tablespoons total in a large infuser or cheesecloth sachet.

Remove tea leaves

After steeping, remove and discard the tea bags or strain out the loose tea. Return the pot of hot brewed tea to low heat — do not boil.

Infuse spices and citrus

To the hot brewed tea, add 1 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup light brown sugar, 3 cinnamon sticks, 1 tablespoon whole cloves (use a small muslin bag if you prefer easy removal), and 3 tablespoons sliced fresh ginger. Stir gently to dissolve the sugars. Add 8 orange slices. Keep the pot on low heat for 8–10 minutes to allow the sugars and spices to infuse; do not boil.

Add lemon juice

Remove the pot from heat and stir in 3/4 cup fresh lemon juice. Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity: add up to 1/4 cup more sugar or up to 2 additional tablespoons lemon juice if desired.

Strain solids

Using a fine-mesh strainer, strain the tea into a clean container or another large pot to remove cinnamon sticks, cloves, ginger pieces, and orange slices. Press gently on solids with the back of a spoon to extract remaining flavored liquid, then discard solids.

Dilute and chill

Add 6 cups cold water to the strained tea to bring the temperature down and adjust strength. Stir to combine. Taste — if the tea is too strong, add more cold water 1 cup at a time until desired strength is reached.

Cool completely

Allow the Tea Chest to cool to room temperature (about 30–45 minutes), then transfer to the refrigerator and chill until cold, at least 2 hours.

Serve

Serve over ice in glasses and garnish each with a fresh mint sprig and an orange or lemon wheel if desired. Provide additional sugar or simple syrup on the side for guests who prefer sweeter tea.