We've been suffering through scorching hot temps here the last few days and that means hydration is key. I know the best thing for hydration is water but let's face it, sometimes you want something more. In the summer, I like sweet tea. The dogs like it too but I try not to let them have any. Moira, however, has determined she can steal mine if I leave the glass unattended and within her reach.
Sweet tea used to be a uniquely southern beverage but I understand McDonald's is now carrying it in most of their restaurants. And I won't lie, their sweet tea is pretty darned good - especially at $1 plus tax. When I'm home though I like to make my own.
We are drinking around a gallon of sweet tea a week right now so I make it on Sunday afternoons to last the rest of the week. There's nothing magical about making sweet tea but, I'll share my recipe with you all. If you aren't a fan of sweets, then you probably won't like this but I promise, there are few things more satisfying on a hot summer day than a big glass of iced sweet tea with a wedge of lemon. Think of it as Kool Aid for adults.
6 cups water
4 family-size tea bags (Luzianne or your favorite black tea)
1 1/4 to 1 1/2 cups of sugar
Bring 6 cups of water to boil in a large pan. Boil one minute then remove from heat. Add 4 family-size tea bags and cover. I prefer Luzianne decaf but you can't get that brand everywhere so go with your favorite black tea. Steep for 5 minutes.
Remove tea bags, squeezing out as much water as possible. Add sugar while tea is still hot and stir to dissolve. Pour into a 1 gallon container and fill to top with cool water. Refrigerate. Serve over ice. Enjoy!
1 year ago
We like the unsweet variety and extra strong! But still equally refreshing for those of us that cannot or don't like sugar.
ReplyDeleteUt oh... Now I have a recipe, Leonard will be wanting me to make it for him. He LOVES sweet tea. He got hooked on it when he lived in NC.
ReplyDeleteYou can certainly play w/the sugar amounts as well. I found 1.5 cups a little too sweet and 1.25 just about right.
ReplyDeleteHolly - if you can't find Luzianne up your way, and I'm pretty sure you can't - let me know and I will send you a box. It really is the best for iced tea.
Yum I think I'll have to go home to make some this afternoon! I've missed sweet tea while I've been away:-))
ReplyDeleteFunny, being raised in the South I always had sweet tea available, now I normally make it with about 1 cup of sugar and with green tea, since my husband is sensitive to black tea. The green tea is lovely and light for hot summer days. I also make herbal sweat tea, it's super good.
ReplyDeleteSweet tea is the house wine of the south!
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