How To Make Southern Sweet Tea

Learn how to make southern sweet tea to enjoy any time. Southern sweet tea is strong and brewed differently from its northern cousin. Most tea is properly brewed by pouring boiling water over the tea bag. For southern sweet tea, the bag is actually placed in the boiling water for a short time.

You will need: 

• tea
• water (not tap)
• glasses
• lemon or mint

1. Boil one quart of good quality water. Good southern sweet tea begins with good water. Tap water can contain impurities such as hard minerals and chlorine. The best sweet tea is made from soft water. Bring the water up to a boil.
2. Place two family-sized tea bags into the boiling water. Allow to boil for one minute. You can substitute ten regular sized tea bags for the two family-sized tea bags for making southern sweet tea. Allow the tea to steep while you prepare the container.
3. Pour two cups of sugar into the container. Pour the hot tea concentrate into the container. Stir to dissolve the sugar.
4. Add three quarts of cold water to the southern sweet tea.
5. Add ice to serving glasses. Pour the tea over the ice.
6. Garnish with a slice of lemon or a sprig of fresh mint, if desired.

Tips:

Be sure to refrigerate any unused tea.

Tea is an economical drink that over 80% of the world enjoys. A gallon of sweet southern tea costs about $1.05 to make and it has antioxidants and many health benefits as well. Research has shown that tea drinkers are less likely to develop certain skin cancers and that tea can help lower the risk of heart attacks.