Proper Southern Iced Tea
There is a sharp line between tea that is merely cold and tea that is actually brewed for ice. This method builds a strong base so your drink doesn't end up watery once the ice begins to melt.
Don't boil your tea leaves.
Boiling tea bags directly in the pot releases astringent tannins that make for a harsh finish. Steep in hot, not boiling, water for a clean, bright profile.
- 2-quart heat-proof pitcher
- saucepan
- long-handled spoon
What goes in.
- 8black tea bags, orange pekoe
- 1 cupgranulated sugar
- 4 cupsboiling water
- 4 cupscold filtered water
- to tastelemon slices or fresh mint
Stop at five minutes
Set a timer. If you leave the bags in longer than five minutes, the tea transitions from crisp to puckeringly bitter regardless of how much sugar you add.
The method.
Heat the water
Bring the four cups of water to a boil in a saucepan, then remove from heat and wait thirty seconds for the temperature to drop slightly.
Steep
Add the tea bags. Cover the pot and let them steep for exactly five minutes.
Sweeten
Remove the tea bags—do not squeeze them, as that releases excess bitterness. Immediately stir in the sugar until the liquid is perfectly clear.
Dilute and chill
Pour the tea concentrate into your pitcher. Stir in the four cups of cold water. Refrigerate until fully chilled.
Other turns to take.
Sun Tea
Place tea bags in a clear glass jar of cold water in direct sunlight for three to four hours instead of using the stove.
Herbal infusion
Steep two sprigs of fresh mint alongside the tea bags for an aromatic, cooling finish.
When it doesn't go to plan.
Always use filtered water; the chlorine in tap water noticeably alters the flavor of black tea.
If you prefer unsweetened, simply skip the sugar in step three; the strength of the tea will still stand up to the ice.
Avoid using plastic pitchers if possible, as they retain odors from previous contents that can taint the tea.
The ones that keep coming up.
Why does my tea look cloudy?
Cloudiness usually happens if you refrigerate the tea while it is still steaming hot. Allow it to come to room temperature on the counter before putting it in the fridge.
Can I use honey instead of sugar?
Yes, but add it while the concentrate is very hot to ensure it fully incorporates. Honey will change the final flavor profile compared to white sugar.
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