Sweet Tea
The hallmark Southern drink: strong black tea brewed hot and sweetened while still warm, then diluted with cold water and poured over ice. Crisp, sweet, and endlessly refreshing on a hot day. Plan ahead: chill at least 1 hour before serving.
Ingredients
- 4 black tea bags (such as Lipton family-size)
- 4 cups boiling water (for brewing)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 cups cold water
- 1 lemon (optional, for serving), sliced
- as needed ice
Instructions
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1
Bring 4 cups boiling water (for brewing) to a full boil in a saucepan or kettle.
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2
Remove from heat and add 4 black tea bags (such as Lipton family-size). Steep for 5 minutes — no longer, or the tea will turn bitter.
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3
Remove and discard the tea bags. Do not squeeze the bags.
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4
Add 1 cup granulated sugar to the hot tea and stir until completely dissolved.
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5
Pour the sweetened tea concentrate into a large pitcher. Add 6 cups cold water and stir to combine. Taste and adjust sweetness or strength.
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6
Refrigerate until cold, at least 1 hour. Serve over ice with 1 sliced lemon (optional, for serving) if desired.