Southern Sweet Tea
This is the best Southern sweet tea I have ever had. It is very sweet; cut back on the sugar if needed. The baking soda takes the bitterness away from the tea.
This is the best Southern sweet tea I have ever had. It is very sweet; cut back on the sugar if needed. The baking soda takes the bitterness away from the tea.
- Carbohydrate 49.9928375 g
- Cholesterol 10.1677083333333 mg
- Fat 3.83582708333333 g
- Fiber 0 g
- Protein 0.0401979166666667 g
- Saturated Fat 2.42927833333333 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (330g)
- Sodium 36.72 mg
- Sugar 49.9928375 g
- Trans Fat 0.268522083333333 g
- Calories 227 calories
Step-by-step
- In a large glass measuring cup, place the tea bags and add the baking soda.
- Pour the boiling water over the tea bags.
- Cover and steep for 15 minutes.
- Take out the tea bags and do not squeeze them.
- Pour the tea mixture into a 2-quart pitcher; add the sugar.
- Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
- Add in the cold water.
- Let cool; chill in the refrigerator and serve over ice.
Standard measurements on a page cannot convey how exact timing transforms hot water and dry leaves into a balanced infusion. Steeping black tea beyond the fifteen-minute mark releases excessive tannins, which create a harsh, astringent mouthfeel that even large amounts of sugar struggle to mask. A tiny pinch of baking soda raises the pH level of the water, neutralizing those bitter compounds before they dominate the liquid.
- Dissolve granulated sugar entirely into the hot concentrate while the temperature remains elevated; cold water inhibits crystal breakdown and leaves a gritty texture at the bottom of the pitcher.
- Avoid squeezing the wet tea bags against the sides of the container during removal, because physical pressure forces bitter plant oils directly into your brew.
- Chill the final mixture for at least two hours in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld completely before pouring it over ice cubes.
- Pair this beverage with heavily spiced barbecue, fried chicken, or vinegar-based slaws, where the high sugar content cuts cleanly through heavy animal fats and salt.
Compact pitchers work well if you lack counter space for massive beverage dispensers. Standard quart-sized glass jars also hold the liquid safely during chilling.
