Get ready to elevate your refreshment game with a delightful twist on a classic favorite! This Spiced Iced Sweet Tea combines the rich tradition of Southern brewing with a fragrant blend of spices that will tantalize your taste buds. Imagine sipping a perfectly chilled glass of sweet tea, infused with warm notes of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, all while basking in the sun. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or simply looking to cool down, this recipe promises to be the star of the show. Dive into our easy-to-follow guide and discover how to create this irresistible drink that will leave your guests asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 4 black tea bags
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slices for garnish
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Remove the boiling water from heat and immediately add 4 black tea bags. Allow the tea bags to steep for 5 minutes, ensuring they are fully submerged.
- While the tea is steeping, measure out 1/2 cup of sugar and prepare the spice blend by mixing 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of cloves, and 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg in a small bowl.
- After 5 minutes, remove the tea bags, gently squeezing them to extract maximum flavor, and discard.
- Immediately stir the sugar and spice blend into the hot tea until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Allow the spiced tea to cool at room temperature for approximately 10 minutes.
- Fill serving glasses with ice cubes, filling each glass about 2/3 full.
- Carefully pour the spiced tea over the ice, leaving some room at the top of each glass.
- Garnish each glass with a fresh lemon slice for added brightness and visual appeal.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing Southern-style spiced iced sweet tea.
Tips
- Choose Quality Tea: Opt for high-quality black tea bags for the best flavor. Loose leaf tea can also be used if you prefer a more robust brew.
- Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to tweak the amount of sugar to suit your taste. You can also experiment with natural sweeteners like honey or agave syrup for a different flavor profile.
- Chill Faster: If you're short on time, place the brewed tea in the refrigerator to cool it down more quickly instead of letting it sit at room temperature.
- Spice It Up: Don’t hesitate to adjust the spices according to your preference. Adding a pinch of ginger or a dash of vanilla can give your iced tea an exciting twist.
- Garnish Creatively: Besides lemon slices, consider adding fresh mint leaves or berries for an extra pop of color and flavor.
- Make It a Mocktail: For a fun variation, try adding a splash of your favorite fruit juice or soda to the spiced tea for a refreshing mocktail experience.
- Serve in Style: Use mason jars or decorative glasses for serving to enhance the presentation and make your iced tea feel extra special.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 65kcal
Carbohydrates: 17g
Protein: 0g
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
