World Flavors Cookbook

Southern Sweet Tea

Super-sweet iced black tea brewed strong and sweetened while hot — the house wine of the South, served at every meal in every Southern restaurant.

Cuisine: United States

Ingredients

• 4 family-size or 8 regular black tea bags (Luzianne or Lipton)
• 1 to 1.5 cups sugar
• 8 cups water
• Pinch of baking soda (prevents bitterness)
• Ice
• Lemon slices (optional)

Instructions

1. Bring 4 cups water to a rolling boil.
2. Remove from heat. Add tea bags and baking soda.
3. Steep 10-15 minutes. Remove tea bags (do not squeeze).
4. Add sugar while tea is hot. Stir until completely dissolved — this is the secret to Southern sweet tea.
5. Pour into a gallon pitcher. Add remaining 4 cups cold water.
6. Refrigerate until cold.
7. Serve over ice with optional lemon.