Sweet Tea Recipe
Make Sweet Tea Recipe in just 2h 30m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Sweet Tea Base
Finish & Serve
Method
Sweet Tea Base
- 1
Make Simple Sugar Syrup
In a heatproof measuring cup or small saucepan, combine 1 cup granulated sugar with 1 cup boiling water. Stir until sugar is completely dissolved to create a clear syrup (about 1–2 minutes). This ensures even sweetness when cooled.
- 2
- 3
Steep the Tea
Place 4 black tea bags in a heatproof pitcher. Pour the boiling water (8 cups) over the tea bags. Steep for 5 to 7 minutes depending on desired strength (5 minutes for lighter tea, 7 for stronger). Do not oversteep more than 8 minutes to avoid excessive bitterness.
- 4
Remove Tea Bags and Sweeten
Remove and gently squeeze the tea bags against the side of the pitcher to extract the infused liquid (avoid squeezing too hard to reduce bitterness). While the tea is still warm, add the sugar syrup you prepared and stir thoroughly until fully incorporated. Taste and add more syrup or granulated sugar dissolved in a little hot water if you want it sweeter.
- 5
Cool to Room Temperature
Let the sweetened tea come down to room temperature on the counter (about 20–30 minutes). For faster cooling, set the pitcher in an ice bath and stir occasionally.
Finish & Serve
- 6
Chill
Once the tea is near room temperature, refrigerate the pitcher uncovered until well chilled, at least 1 to 2 hours.
- 7
Prepare Glasses
Fill glasses with about 1 cup of ice each (adjust to preference).
- 8
Serve
Pour the chilled sweet tea over the ice. If using, add 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice per glass or a lemon slice to each glass. Garnish each glass with a mint sprig and an extra lemon slice if desired.
- 9
Adjust and Store
Taste a glass; if it needs more brightness, add more lemon juice to taste. Store any leftover tea covered in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Stir before serving; add more ice or dilute with cold water if too strong after chilling.
