Emma Lou Hargrove is a true Southern belle with a love for all things vintage. She has a knack for finding hidden treasures at flea markets and antique stores. Emma Lou enjoys sharing her finds and how to incorporate them into modern living.
Dear reader,
If you're looking for the best recipe for Southern sweet tea, you've come to the right place! As a true Southern belle, I take my sweet tea seriously, and I'm excited to share my favorite recipe with you.
To make the perfect Southern sweet tea, you'll need just a few simple ingredients: tea bags, sugar, water, and ice. Here's how to bring that refreshing taste of the South right into your own home:
1. Start by boiling 4 cups of water in a saucepan. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, remove it from the heat.
2. Add 4 to 6 tea bags to the hot water, depending on how strong you like your tea. I personally prefer 6 tea bags for a robust flavor. Let the tea steep for about 5 minutes.
3. While the tea is steeping, it's time to add the sweetness. Southern sweet tea is known for its generous amount of sugar. Stir in 1 cup of granulated sugar until it completely dissolves. Adjust the amount of sugar to your taste preferences, adding more or less as desired.
4. Now, it's time to cool down that delicious tea. Fill a pitcher with 4 cups of ice cubes. Pour the hot tea over the ice, allowing it to melt and cool the tea quickly.
5. Stir the tea gently until the ice has melted completely. This will help the flavors meld together and create that signature Southern sweet tea taste.
6. Once the tea has cooled, remove the tea bags and discard them. If you prefer a stronger tea, you can leave the tea bags in for a little longer, but be careful not to oversteep, as it can make the tea bitter.
7. Finally, pour your homemade Southern sweet tea into glasses filled with ice and garnish with a sprig of fresh mint, a lemon slice, or both. These simple additions add a touch of elegance and enhance the overall experience.
Now, sit back, relax, and enjoy a glass of homemade Southern sweet tea. It's the perfect companion for lazy summer afternoons, family gatherings, or any time you want to savor a taste of the South.
Remember, the key to a great sweet tea lies in finding the right balance of flavors. Feel free to experiment with the amount of sugar and tea bags to suit your personal taste. Some folks even like to add a squeeze of lemon or a splash of fruit juice for a twist on the classic recipe.
I hope this recipe brings a little taste of Southern charm to your home. Cheers to good company and even better sweet tea!
Warm regards,
Emma Lou Hargrove
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