Since June is National Iced Tea month, lets have some Iced Sweet Tea in my sunroom.
WARNING: This post may offend tea snobs! I am definitely not a tea snob.
I use everything from store brand to high end loose tea. If I like it, I’ll use it.
I make my sweet iced tea using 8 to 10 bags of lipton tea in a 2 quarts of cold water. I like to make my iced tea with Lipton black tea because, to me, it does not leave a bitter aftertaste. This way of making sweet tea was taught to me by a dear sister in law from Louisiana about 30 years ago. I have been doing it ever since. I’ve tried different iced tea makers, but have always gone back to this “tried and true” method.
If I am making flavored iced tea I use 8 bags of black, if not flavored, I use 10.
Bigelow’s “I Love Lemon” is awesome for lemon flavor tea. I use just two bags of this with the 8 bags of black. I’ll add lemons slices or raspberries, or sometimes both.
I also really like Cinnamon Sweet Tea. I use this store brand Sweet Cinnamon Spice.
Again just 2 bags. Today I’m making Sweet Cinnamon Iced Tea.
There they are all in the pan together. Notice I have removed the paper tags. I don’t know if it would hurt, I just take them off. Bring it to a good boil.
Then turn off the heat and let them steep for about 20 minutes on the stove. While that is happening I gather everything else I need and go fold a load of laundry (Miss Debbie*).
Sugar, pitcher, colander. I use a cup of sugar and put it in the Rubbermaid pitcher. That’s important. You don’t want to pour almost boiling liquid into a glass pitcher (unless it’s pyrex!)
Oops, not a good picture. The colander is directly on top of the Rubbermaid and the whole thing is in the sink. Sorry, you can’t see that. The colander is used to “catch the bags”. I used to fish the bags out with a slotted spoon until one day
I had a better idea, use the colander!
This one fits perfectly on the top of the pitcher. See the sugar on the bottom.
I use a cup. Some people might say “a whole cup?” and others will say “only a cup?”
Make it to your liking and give a really good stir.
The sugar melts quickly in the hot liquid. Looks strong huh?
Yum.
Next, add crushed ice and stir it up.
If it’s just me, I’ll serve right from this pitcher.
But since you are coming over, I’ll transfer it to this pretty glass pitcher.
Here you go! Enjoy!
I left June’s Tea Time Magazine for you to read while you enjoy your tea.
Thanks for coming by! I hope you enjoyed our “visit”.
*Miss Debbie is my choir director, my sister in christ, my friend, and I just learned that she reads my blog sometimes! I am touched that you read my blog! The little thing about “folding laundry” well, that’s an inside joke. We always have laundry to do!
7 Responses
I don't think I've every tasted "sweet tea"…I do love lemon flavored ice tea and Arnie Palmer instant tea from Walmart is very good! Thanks for sharing your recipe!
Deb
Hi Jocelyne,
I have a recipe that I've used a couple of times but my hubby prefers the Nestea so I just use that. Iced tea is such a refreshing drink this time of year. Thank you for sharing and joining me for tea.
Blessings,
Sandi
I'm ashamed to say I've never made my sweet tea (iced tea in Canada) from scratch but always bought the powdered mix.
You've made it look so easy, I'll book mark your recipe and give it a try.
Judith
My southern friends only drink sweet tea, all year round.I have only had it once in awhile, and with lots of ice it is a refreshing drink.I like your warning about this post NOT being for tea snobs, ha ha!Your wicker chair looks inviting, especially with a pitcher of sweet tea for liquid refreshment.
In the South – sweet tea is a must! We go through gallons of it. I have reduced my sugar content – Dearest's mother's tea is very sweet! I do use 1 1/2 cups for mine – just right for my family! I like the larger family size bags and if I go by Sam's Club – the gallon size bags! I do appreciate you sharing with A Return to Loveliness,
Kathy
Hi Joycelyne,
I love to make Ice tea from the scratch because it is cheaper and do not contain phosphat, which many people don't tolerate. I have never started with cold water but sounds interesting and I will try it to see the difference. Your way to make Iced tea looks easy and effective. Thank you for showing this procedure. Your tea break with the pretty armchair looks very inviting.
Best greetings, Johanna