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Beverages Quick & easy

Old-Fashioned Sweet Tea

A pitcher of crisp, deeply steeped Southern sweet tea that is smooth and refreshing over a tall glass of ice.

15 minutes
Serves 8
Drink

No common allergens detected

Based on this recipe's ingredient list. Always verify with your own brands and labels.

Instructions

  1. 1

    Bring 4 cups of the water to a boil in a saucepan, then remove from the heat and add a tiny pinch of baking soda, which softens any bitterness from the tannins.

  2. 2

    Add the tea bags, cover, and steep for 5 to 7 minutes; avoid steeping longer than 8 minutes or the tea will turn bitter.

  3. 3

    Remove and gently squeeze the tea bags, then stir in the sugar while the tea is still hot until it dissolves completely.

  4. 4

    Pour the concentrate into a 2-quart pitcher and add the remaining 4 cups of cool water to dilute. Stir well.

  5. 5

    Refrigerate until cold, about 1 hour, then serve over plenty of ice with lemon wedges and mint if desired.

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