Southern Sweet Tea Recipe

Step 1

Boil. Bring 1 quart of water to boil in a medium saucepan or tea kettle set over medium heat. Remove from the heat and add the tea bags. Allow to steep for about 15 minutes. Do not allow the tea to become cold.

Step 2

Sweeten. In a gallon pitcher, add the sugar and pour in about 1/2 of the warm tea. Stir to dissolve the sugar. Pour in the remainder of the brewed tea, being careful not to drop in tea bags.

Step 3

Stir. Add baking soda and stir to combine. If serving immediately baking soda may not be needed.

Step 4

Serve. Fill the pitcher with cold water and serve over ice. Great with a wedge of lemon, lime, orange or a sprig of mint.

Step 5

Boil. Bring 1 quart of to a boil in a medium saucepan set over medium heat. Remove the pan from the heat and drop in tea bags.

Step 6

Sweeten. Add sugar to a 1-quart, wide-mouthed Mason jar or similar container. Remove the tea bags, carefully pressing the bags agains the side of the saucepan before discarding them. Pour a little of the tea over the sugar, stirring until completely dissolved. Pour in the remaining tea.

Step 7

Stir. Stir in the baking soda and stir to combine.

Step 8

Store. Tighten the lid of the container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Step 9

Serve. To serve a single serving, add 1/4 cup concentrate to a glass and top with ice and 3/4 cup water. Stir to combine. To serve a gallon, add all of the concentrate to a gallon pitcher and top with water. Stir to combine.