Ah, sweet tea! It’s more than just a drink; it’s a Southern tradition that hits the spot on a hot day. Pair it with some juicy burgers, fried chicken, or spicy salsa. Trust me; it makes a meal feel special.
4family-sized black tea bagsor your preferred strong tea variety
1/4teaspoonbaking soda
For the Syrup:
1cupwater
3/4cupgranulated sugar
1tablespoonhoneynew addition to enhance the sweetness with a natural flavor
1teaspoonvanilla extractnew addition for a hint of warmth and depth
Instructions
Step 1: Brew the Tea
Boil 8 cups of water in a kettle. Once it boils, remove it from the heat. Add the tea bags to the boiled water. Let the tea steep for about 10 to 15 minutes. This helps extract all those beautiful flavors.
Step 2: Add Baking Soda
Once it’s steeped, stir in the baking soda. This ingredient may seem odd, but it helps to soften the tea’s natural bitterness. This step is essential for achieving that smooth, satisfying flavor.
Step 3: Prepare the Syrup
While waiting for the tea to cool, create the syrup. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of water and 3/4 cup of sugar. Heat until the sugar dissolves, then mix in the honey and vanilla extract. Allow it to cool.
Step 4: Combine and Chill
Remove the tea bags from the steeped tea. Pour the syrup into the brewed tea. Stir well to ensure even sweetness. Then, transfer the mixture to a pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This cooling step is critical—sweet tea is best served cold!
Step 5: Serve It Up
Now that your tea is chilled, it’s ready to enjoy! Serve it over ice for the ultimate refreshment. Feel free to garnish with fresh mint or lemon slices for that extra appeal.
Notes
Choose Strong Tea Opt for strong black tea bags for maximum flavor. You can even use a mix of black and herbal tea for varied results.
Don’t Skip the Baking Soda It makes a difference. Just a pinch softens bitterness, making the tea smoother and more enjoyable.
Adjust Sugar to Taste Don’t hesitate to experiment! Add more or less sugar depending on what you love.
Chill Properly The tea tastes better when it’s properly chilled. Don’t rush this step!
Presentation Matters Serve the tea in clear glasses with ice and lemon slices. It makes a beautiful presentation.