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:
- Heat water:
- In a large saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
2. Steep the Tea:
- 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.
- Steep:
- Cover and let the tea bags steep for 10-15 minutes.
3. Sweeten the Tea:
- 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:
- Add cold water:
- Pour the sweetened tea into a large pitcher. Add the remaining 4 cups of cold water and stir.
- Chill:
- Refrigerate the tea for at least 1-2 hours, or until it’s thoroughly chilled.
5. Serve:
- Serve over ice:
- Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the chilled tea over the ice.
- Garnish:
- Add a slice of lemon and a sprig of fresh mint for extra flavor and presentation.
- 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. 🍹🌞