Sweet Tea - Strong, sugared, chilled
Sweet Tea is a refreshing beverage popular in the southern United States and is typically enjoyed on a hot summer day. It's made with strong-brewed black tea, sweetened to perfection with granulated sugar, and served over a generous amount of ice. The tea is first brewed with boiling water, allowing the tea leaves to steep and release their robust flavors. After reaching the desired strength, the tea is strained and while still warm, sugar is thoroughly dissolved in the tea to create a smooth sweetness. Finally, the tea is chilled until very cold, making it the perfect thirst quencher. This iconic drink is often garnished with a slice of lemon and enjoyed with a wide variety of foods or as a standalone treat. Description by ChatGPT.
Welcome to a taste of the South with Sawyer Ridge Farm's signature sweet tea recipe! This special brew captures the essence of Southern hospitality in every sip. It's simple, delightful, and a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you're new to sweet tea or a seasoned aficionado, this recipe will have everyone asking for a second glass.
Ingredients:
- 6 bags of Louisiana brand black tea (or Lipton if preferred)
- 1 gallon of water (adjust for more if desired)
- Granulated sugar (to taste, but be generous for a true Southern sweet tea)
- Ice cubes (for serving)
- Lemon slices (optional, for garnish)
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes (includes steeping time)
Sedrvings: 1 gallon
Equipment: Large pot, stove, spoon.
Instructions:
1. Begin by preparing your tea bags. Remove the tags from each tea bag to prevent them from getting gooey and falling into the water while cooking.
2. Take a large pot that can comfortably hold a gallon of water. Fill it with the gallon of water.
3. Heat the pot of water on the stove. Turn the burner on high and bring the water to a rolling boil. This may take approximately 15 to 20 minutes, depending on your stovetop and the initial temperature of the water.
4. Once the water is boiling, place the tea bags into the pot. Turn off the heat as soon as the water reaches a rolling boil to avoid overcooking the tea.
5. Let the tea steep for a minimum of 4 hours to extract the bold flavors from the tea bags. The longer you steep, the richer the taste.
6. After steeping, remove the tea bags from the water and add sugar to taste while the tea is still warm, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
7. To serve, fill glasses with ice cubes, pour the sweet tea over the ice, and add a slice of lemon to garnish if desired.
Cooking Tips:
- Make sure to start with cold water in your pot to ensure a smooth flavor.
- Use granulated sugar for the best dissolve-ability and classic sweetness.
- For a lower sugar version, sweeten to taste while the tea is warm, allowing each individual to adjust the sweetness.
This recipe is brought to you by Sawyer Ridge Farm, for more delightful homecooked recipes and homesteading adventures, check out their YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SawyerRidgeFarm
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