Welcome to a refreshing journey straight to the heart of the South with our Southern Brewed Sweet Tea recipe! This iconic beverage, known for its sweet, smooth flavor and invigorating chill, is the perfect companion for warm summer days or cozy gatherings with friends and family. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a pitcher of sweet tea that will have everyone asking for seconds. Ready to impress your guests and quench your thirst? Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that captures the essence of Southern hospitality!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 8 cups water
- 4 tea bags (black tea)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Ice cubes
- Fresh lemon slices (optional)
Instructions
- Fill a large saucepan with 8 cups of fresh, cold water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Remove the boiling water from heat and immediately add 4 black tea bags. Ensure the tea bags are fully submerged in the hot water.
- Allow the tea bags to steep in the hot water for exactly 5 minutes, which will extract the optimal flavor without creating bitterness.
- Remove and discard the tea bags, gently squeezing each bag to release any remaining tea essence.
- While the tea is still hot, add 1 cup of granulated sugar and stir continuously until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Add 1 teaspoon of baking soda to the tea mixture, which helps reduce the natural tannic acid and creates a smoother taste.
- Let the sweetened tea cool to room temperature, which typically takes about 15-20 minutes.
- Fill a large pitcher with ice cubes and carefully pour the warm tea over the ice to rapidly chill and further dilute the tea.
- Refrigerate the tea until thoroughly chilled, approximately 1-2 hours.
- Before serving, garnish with fresh lemon slices if desired, and serve over additional ice for the most refreshing experience.
Tips
- Use Fresh Water: Always start with fresh, cold water for the best flavor. Avoid using previously boiled water as it can affect the tea's taste.
- Perfect Steeping Time: Be mindful of the steeping time—5 minutes is ideal for extracting rich flavor without bitterness. Over-steeping can lead to a harsh taste.
- Sugar While Hot: Adding sugar while the tea is still hot ensures it dissolves completely, giving you that perfectly sweetened tea.
- Baking Soda Magic: Don’t skip the baking soda! It neutralizes the tannins in the tea, resulting in a smoother, more enjoyable drink.
- Chill Properly: After brewing, allow the tea to cool to room temperature before pouring it over ice. This helps maintain the tea’s flavor and prevents it from becoming diluted too quickly.
- Garnish for Flair: Fresh lemon slices not only add a pop of color but also enhance the flavor profile. Experiment with other garnishes like mint for a refreshing twist!
- Serve Over Ice: For the ultimate Southern experience, serve your sweet tea over plenty of ice. It’s the perfect way to keep it cool and refreshing!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 50kcal
Carbohydrates: 13g
Protein: 0g
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
