Traditional Southern Iced Sweet Tea
A refreshing and sweet beverage that embodies Southern hospitality, perfect for summer gatherings and cozy evenings.
Ingredients
Essential Ingredients
- 6 cups 6 cups of water
- 4-6 tea bags 4-6 black tea bags (depending on your taste) Adjust based on desired strength
- 1 cup 1 cup of granulated sugar Adjust based on sweetness preference
- Fresh lemon slices (optional, for garnish)
- Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)
- Ice cubes
Instructions
Brewing the Tea
- Start by boiling 4 cups of water in a saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Once the water reaches a rolling boil, remove it from the heat and add the tea bags.
- Allow the tea bags to steep for about 5-10 minutes, depending on how strong you want your tea to be.
- After steeping, remove the tea bags and stir in the granulated sugar, mixing until fully dissolved.
- Pour in the remaining 2 cups of cold water and stir well to combine.
- Let the sweet tea cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a pitcher and refrigerate until chilled.
- Serve the tea over ice in tall glasses and add lemon slices or mint leaves if desired.
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Notes
To enhance your iced sweet tea experience, serve it in tall glasses with ice and garnished with lemon or mint. Consider experimenting with fruity or herbal variations for a unique twist.