Dive into the refreshing world of Southern Style Iced Tea, a timeless beverage that embodies the essence of Southern hospitality! With just a few simple ingredients and a mere 15 minutes of your time, you can whip up a pitcher of this sweet, invigorating tea that will have your friends and family begging for more. Perfect for warm afternoons or lively gatherings, this classic recipe is not just a drink; it’s an experience that will transport you straight to a sun-soaked porch in the South. Read on to discover how to create this delightful concoction that promises to quench your thirst and elevate your entertaining game!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Southern American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 4 black tea bags
- 1 cup sugar (to taste)
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slices for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Bring 4 cups of fresh, cold water to a rolling boil in a medium saucepan over high heat.
- Remove the boiling water from heat and immediately add 4 black tea bags. Ensure the tea bags are fully submerged in the hot water.
- Allow the tea bags to steep for 3-5 minutes. For stronger tea, let steep closer to 5 minutes; for lighter tea, remove bags closer to 3 minutes.
- Remove and discard the tea bags, gently pressing them against the side of the pan to extract maximum flavor.
- While the tea is still hot, add sugar and stir until completely dissolved. Use the full cup of sugar for traditional sweet tea, or adjust to taste.
- Let the sweetened tea cool to room temperature for approximately 10-15 minutes.
- Fill a large pitcher with ice cubes, then pour the warm tea over the ice to rapidly chill and prevent dilution.
- Stir well to ensure the tea is evenly chilled and mixed.
- Garnish with fresh lemon slices if desired, and serve immediately in glasses filled with additional ice.
Tips
- Choose Quality Tea: Opt for high-quality black tea bags for a richer flavor. Experiment with different brands to find your favorite!
- Adjust Sweetness: Start with 1 cup of sugar, but don’t hesitate to adjust to your taste. For a healthier option, consider using honey or a sugar substitute.
- Steeping Time: Keep an eye on your steeping time! For a robust flavor, aim for the full 5 minutes, but if you prefer a milder taste, remove the tea bags closer to 3 minutes.
- Chill Quickly: Pouring the hot tea over ice helps chill it rapidly without diluting the flavor. For an extra cold treat, consider freezing some tea in ice cube trays to use instead of regular ice cubes!
- Garnish with Style: Fresh lemon slices not only add a pop of color but also enhance the flavor profile. Feel free to experiment with other garnishes like mint leaves for a refreshing twist.
- Serve in Style: Present your iced tea in tall glasses filled with ice, and don’t forget a straw for a true Southern experience!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 200kcal
Carbohydrates: 50g
Protein: 0g
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
