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How to make simple syrup @www.loavesanddishes.net
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5 from 14 votes

The Secret to Perfect Southern Sweet Tea

Sweet, cold, light and perfectly flavored, this recipe for southern sweet tea gives you ever hint and trick you could ever need to make perfect southern sweet tea!
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: drink
Cuisine: American
Keyword: how to make sweet tea, southern sweet tea
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 1kcal
Author: Wendi Spraker

Ingredients

  • 2 Quarts fresh cold water
  • 1 heaping Cup of Granulated white sugar
  • 4 regular size tea bags or one gallon size tea bag we prefer Luzianne or Lipton
  • 2 Quarts fresh cold water

Instructions

  • In a medium sized stock pot heat 2 quarts of fresh water over medium high heat.
  • When the water is near a simmer, turn the heat off.  Add the 1 Cup of sugar and stir until sugar dissolves. 
  • Place the tea bags into the water, place the lid on the saucepan.  Allow to come to room temperature.
  • Remove the tea bags and gently squeeze to remove any remaining tea. Use care not to tear the tea bags. Discard tea bags.
  • Pour the tea concentrate into a gallon size tea pitcher and add the remaining 2 quarts of cool water.
  • Serve over a full glass of ice cubes.

Video

Notes

  • You will want to use the best quality tea that you can afford for this recipe.  We prefer Luzianne or Lipton.
  • Use the BEST water you can for your tea as well.  If you are going to use tap water, I suggest pouring it from the tap the day before you make tea and let it sit.  This allows some of the chlorine to expel from the water. 
  • Never boil the water with the tea bag in it.  You want the hot water to steep the tea from the leaves.  Boiling is far to rough! 
  • Look for the gallon size tea bags (sometimes called family size).  This allows you to use one single tea bag instead of 4 little tea bags. 
PRO TIP: Sugar is a highly variable taste for most people.  If you have people in your family who prefer more or less sugar, I suggest leaving the sugar out altogether and making some simple syrup instead.  Then your family can add the amount of simple syrup they prefer to their own drink.  You can find that recipe here. Simple Syrup. 

Nutrition

Calories: 1kcal | Sodium: 23mg | Calcium: 14mg