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🫖 Smooth Sweet Tea 🍋

Posted by ESYTOD

This classic Smooth Sweet Tea is the perfect blend of robust tea flavor and sweetness, ideal for sipping on warm days or serving at gatherings. With just a few simple steps, you can make a refreshing pitcher of this Southern favorite to enjoy any time!

📋 Ingredients:

  • 8 cups water 💧
  • 6-8 black tea bags 🫖
  • 3/4 – 1 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste) 🍬
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda (optional, for smoother tea) 🌿
  • Ice cubes 🧊
  • Lemon slices, for garnish (optional) 🍋
  • Fresh mint leaves, for garnish (optional) 🌿

📝 Instructions:

1. Boil the Water:

  1. Heat water:
  • In a large saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil.

2. Steep the Tea:

  1. Add tea bags:
  • Remove the saucepan from heat. Add the tea bags and baking soda to the hot water. The baking soda helps to neutralize the tannins in the tea, resulting in a smoother flavor.
  1. Steep:
  • Cover and let the tea bags steep for 10-15 minutes.

3. Sweeten the Tea:

  1. Add sugar:
  • Remove the tea bags, gently squeezing them to extract any remaining liquid. Stir in the sugar while the tea is still warm, ensuring it dissolves completely.

4. Dilute and Chill:

  1. Add cold water:
  • Pour the sweetened tea into a large pitcher. Add the remaining 4 cups of cold water and stir.
  1. Chill:
  • Refrigerate the tea for at least 1-2 hours, or until it’s thoroughly chilled.

5. Serve:

  1. Serve over ice:
  • Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the chilled tea over the ice.
  1. Garnish:
  • Add a slice of lemon and a sprig of fresh mint for extra flavor and presentation.
  1. Enjoy:
  • Sip and enjoy your smooth, refreshing sweet tea!

🍽️ Tips:

  • Adjust sweetness: Start with 3/4 cup of sugar, and add more if you prefer a sweeter tea.
  • Add flavor: For a twist, steep the tea with a few fresh mint leaves or add a splash of lemon juice before serving.
  • Storage: Store any leftover tea in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

⏱️ Preparation Time: 5 minutes
⏱️ Steeping and Chilling Time: 1-2 hours
🍽️ Servings: 8 cups
🔥 Calories: Approximately 70-80 kcal per serving (depending on the amount of sugar used)

This Smooth Sweet Tea is a delightful, cooling beverage that brings a taste of the South to your home. 🍹🌞