Southern Sweet Tea
The Quirky Foodster Team
Ingredients
- Water — 1.5 L (6 cups)
- Black tea bags — 6
- Granulated sugar — 200 g (1 cup)
- Ice, for serving
- Lemon slices, for garnish (optional)
Method
- Bring the water to a boil in a saucepan, then remove from heat and add the tea bags. Steep for 5 minutes.
- Remove the tea bags, gently squeezing out excess liquid, and stir in the sugar until fully dissolved.
- Pour the sweetened tea into a heatproof pitcher and add enough cold water or ice to top up to 2 litres if needed.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until fully chilled.
- Serve over ice with a slice of lemon, if desired.
Introduction: Cultural Background Sweet tea became a defining beverage of the American South by the late 19th century, as ice became more widely available and sugar prices fell.
Cultural Background: Cultural Background Sweet tea became a defining beverage of the American South by the late 19th century, as ice became more widely available and sugar prices fell. Often called 'the house wine of the South,' it is a staple at family meals, church gatherings and restaurants throughout the region, traditionally brewed strong and sweetened while still hot so the sugar fully dissolves.
Tips: Dissolve the sugar while the tea is still hot — it won't dissolve properly once the tea is cold. Avoid over-steeping the tea bags, which can make the tea bitter.
Variations: Add a few mint leaves or a splash of peach juice for a Southern-style flavoured sweet tea. Reduce or omit the sugar for a lighter version.
Storage: Refrigerate in a covered pitcher for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Not applicable — served cold.
FAQs:
Q: Why is my sweet tea cloudy?
A: Cloudiness usually results from rapid temperature changes; let the tea cool gradually at room temperature before refrigerating.
Q: Can I use decaffeinated tea?
A: Yes, decaffeinated black tea bags work well and produce the same flavour and colour.
- Water — 1.5 L (6 cups)
- Black tea bags — 6
- Granulated sugar — 200 g (1 cup)
- Ice, for serving
- Lemon slices, for garnish (optional)
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