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Ingredients
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Tea Base
Sweetening
Finish & Serve
Method
Tea Base
- 1
- 2
Steep tea
Place 6 black tea bags in a heatproof pitcher. Pour the boiling water over the tea bags. Cover and let steep 5 to 7 minutes for a standard strength; steep up to 8 minutes for stronger tea. Avoid oversteeping more than 8 minutes to prevent excessive bitterness.
Sweetening
- 3
Dissolve sugar
While the tea steeps, put 3 tablespoons granulated sugar in 1 cup hot water (nearly boiling) and stir until fully dissolved to make a simple sweetening solution. This ensures the sugar blends evenly into the iced tea.
- 4
Combine with tea
After the tea has finished steeping, remove and discard the tea bags (gently squeeze against the side of the pitcher if you want a slightly stronger brew). Pour the dissolved sugar mixture into the hot tea and stir thoroughly to combine.
Finish & Serve
- 5
Cool the tea
Add 4 cups of cold water or 3–4 cups of ice to the hot sweetened tea to bring it down to room temperature quickly. If using ice, account that it will melt and dilute the tea; add less ice if you want stronger final tea.
- 6
Chill
Refrigerate the tea for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until thoroughly chilled. For best flavor, chill 2–4 hours.
- 7
Serve
Serve the sweet tea over ice, and optionally garnish each glass with a lemon slice and a mint sprig. Taste and adjust sweetness: if you prefer sweeter tea, stir in additional sugar or simple syrup to taste.
- 8
Refills note
Leftover tea can be kept covered in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Stir or shake briefly before serving to remix any settled components.