A Pitcher of Southern Sweet Tea

Well…we’ve talked enough about the pitcher in the refrigerator. I suppose it’s only fair that I show you how I make a pitcher of Southern sweet tea.

Now, before anyone writes to tell me their grandmother did it differently, let me just say this: there are probably as many sweet tea recipes as there are Southern kitchens. This is simply the one that’s lived in our refrigerator for years.

One thing I learned a long time ago is that making good tea isn’t difficult. It just asks for a little patience. You don’t have to rush it, and you don’t have to overthink it. Just let the tea do what tea has always done.

What You’ll Need

• 2 quarts water
• 6 to 8 regular tea bags (depending on how strong you like your tea)
• ¾ to 1 cup white granulated sugar
• Ice

Let’s Make Some Tea

Start by filling a small saucepan with water. Before turning on the burner, let the cold water run for a few moments if you’re using tap water. Fresh, cool water always seems to make a better pitcher of tea.

Now here’s the one little trick I never skip. Most people bring the water to a full rolling boil. I don’t. When water boils vigorously, much of the oxygen escapes, leaving it tasting a little flat. Since tea is mostly water, that affects the flavor.

Instead, heat the water until you see the first signs of movement. Small bubbles will begin forming, the water will gently swirl, or you’ll notice the first wisps of steam. That’s all you’re looking for. As soon as you reach that point, remove the pan from the heat.

Add your tea bags to the hot water, cover the saucepan with a lid, and let the tea steep for about 5 to 10 minutes. If you enjoy stronger tea, let it steep a little longer.

Once the tea has finished steeping, remove the tea bags and pour the tea into a 2-quart pitcher.

While the tea is still warm, stir in the sugar until it’s completely dissolved. Around our house, we usually use somewhere between ¾ cup and 1 cup of sugar. That’s sweet enough for us without making it taste like syrup. If your family likes it sweeter—or a little less sweet—adjust it until it’s just the way you enjoy it. No judgment. Some days I want it a little sweeter, too!

Add enough cool water to fill the pitcher, give everything one last stir, and refrigerate until it’s nice and cold. If you’re serving it right away, pour it over a glass full of ice.

Then all that’s left is deciding whether you’re going to enjoy it on the porch or around the kitchen table.

A Little Lagniappe

One little habit I’ve kept over the years is using the same saucepan only for making tea. It may sound a little old-fashioned, but cookware has a way of remembering what it’s cooked. If a pan has been used for onions, spaghetti sauce, or last night’s supper, it can sometimes leave behind a faint flavor that finds its way into the tea.

Maybe it’s just me. But I’d rather my tea taste like…well…tea.

Before You Go…

If someone happens to stop by this afternoon, don’t worry if the floor hasn’t been swept or the cookie jar is empty.

Pour two glasses of sweet tea. Pull another chair a little closer. The tea may bring people to the table. The conversation is what they’ll remember.

Come Back Anytime…

…I’ll leave the porch light on for you.

Until next time…travel safely.

Stroll Down Another Path

Another Porch Conversation
There’s always room for one more conversation.

Hands at Work
Sometimes the best conversations continue with busy hands

Another Garden Path
When one conversation naturally leads to another.

The Bookshelf
Stories, books, and favorite reads that have found a place on my shelf.

Front Porch
Head back to the porch and see what’s new.