Southern Iced Sweet Tea, a strong infusion of black tea that is sweetened and served over ice, is an essential element of southern cuisine.
Cook Time 20 minutesminutes
Total Time 20 minutesminutes
Servings 8servings
Ingredients
2quartscold waterdivided
2family size tea bagsor 8 regular size tea bags or 8 teaspoons of loose tea (recommend Luzianne brand)
1cupsugar
Instructions
Place one quart of water in a pan and bring to a boil. Add the tea bags.
Cover the pan, remove it from the heat and let it steep for 10-15 minutes.
Remove the tea bags and add the sugar.
Stir until completely dissolved.
Add the additional quart of cold water.
Stir well.
Notes
TIPS AND FAQs
Always start with cold water.
Use a non-reactive saucepan for boiling the water and steeping the tea.
Never pour hot tea into a glass pitcher. Refrigerate the tea or at least cool it to room temperature first.
Don't skimp on steeping time. You want a really strong infusion of tea.
Useany brand of tea that you like. Most Southerners tend to use Luzianne black tea bags. The taste does vary from between brands, just like coffee, with each brand having a unique blend of flavors.
Substitute an artificial sweetener for the sugar if you like.
Store it in the refrigerator for about three days in a plastic or glass pitcher with a well fitting lid.