Quart Recipe
Make Quart Recipe in just 45m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Quart (Southern-style sweet tea concentrate)
Method
Quart (Southern-style sweet tea concentrate)
Brew concentrate
Bring 4 cups of fresh water to a rolling boil in a small saucepan or kettle. Remove from heat. Add 4 strong black tea bags (or 4 tablespoons loose-leaf in an infuser). Cover and steep for 5 minutes for a strong brew; steep up to 7 minutes for a bolder flavor. Avoid over-steeping more than 8 minutes to prevent undue bitterness.
Sweeten while hot
Remove the tea bags (or strain out loose leaf) while squeezing gently to extract liquid. While the tea is still hot, stir in 3/4 cup granulated sugar until completely dissolved. This creates a sweet concentrate that will carry through when diluted.
Cool and dilute
Allow the sweetened tea concentrate to cool 10–15 minutes at room temperature. Pour the concentrate into a measuring container. Add 8 ounces (1 cup) of cold water to bring the total volume close to 1 quart (32 fl oz). Stir to combine. If you prefer a less sweet tea, add up to another 2–4 ounces cold water, tasting as you go.
Chill
Place the quart of tea in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to chill thoroughly, or fill a pitcher with ice and pour the tea over the ice to cool immediately (note: ice will slightly dilute the final drink).