Iced Tea (Sweet Tea in South)

[Southern Charm Remix]

Authentic Southern sweet tea with natural maple sweetness and fresh mint that delivers pure refreshment in every sip. This is liquid hospitality that transforms any gathering into a front porch celebration, perfectly balanced between sweet comfort and cooling satisfaction that captures true Southern charm.

remixology.com/recipe/iced-tea/

Makes

2 quarts (1.9L)

Total Time

20 min (5 min active) + chilling

Ingredients

For Tea Base:
8 cups (1920ml) filtered water, divided
8 high-quality black tea bags or 4 tbsp (24g) loose leaf black tea
1/2 cup (120ml) pure Grade A maple syrup
1/4 cup (60ml) fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup (12g) fresh mint leaves, plus extra for garnish
1/8 tsp (0.5g) sea salt (optional, enhances flavor)

For Serving:
Ice cubes for serving
Lemon slices for garnish
Fresh mint sprigs for garnish
Extra maple syrup to taste

Steps

Boil:

Bring 4 cups (960ml) filtered water to rolling boil in large saucepan over high heat. Remove from heat immediately to prevent over-boiling.

Steep:

Add tea bags or loose tea to hot water and steep exactly 5-7 minutes for optimal flavor extraction without bitterness. Cover pot to retain heat during steeping.

Remove:

Remove tea bags or strain out loose tea leaves completely. Gently squeeze tea bags against side of pot to extract maximum flavor without releasing bitter tannins.

Sweeten:

Stir in maple syrup and optional sea salt while tea is still hot, mixing thoroughly until completely dissolved for even sweetness throughout.

Infuse:

Add fresh lemon juice and mint leaves to hot tea, gently muddling mint with spoon to release aromatic oils and enhance flavor infusion.

Dilute:

Pour hot tea mixture into 2-quart pitcher and add remaining 4 cups (960ml) cold filtered water. Stir well to combine and stop extraction process.

Chill:

Refrigerate tea for minimum 2 hours or until completely chilled. Remove mint leaves after 4 hours to prevent over-infusion and bitter herb flavors.

Serve:

Pour over ice-filled glasses and garnish with fresh lemon slices and mint sprigs. Adjust sweetness with additional maple syrup if desired for perfect Southern hospitality.

Make it Good For The Gut (Optional)

Replace 1/4 cup water with plain kombucha or water kefir for beneficial probiotics and subtle fermented tang that complements tea flavors. Add 1 tablespoon raw apple cider vinegar with mother for digestive enzymes and enhanced mineral absorption. Include 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger for digestive support and warming spice that balances sweetness. Incorporate green tea bags with black tea for antioxidant boost and gentler caffeine profile. Sweeten with raw honey with propolis instead of maple syrup for antimicrobial benefits and immune system support.

Remix Options

Sweetener Alternatives: Use raw honey, agave nectar, stevia, or monk fruit sweetener for different flavor profiles and dietary preferences. Tea Variations: Try Earl Grey for bergamot flavor, green tea for lighter taste, white tea for delicate sweetness, or herbal blends for caffeine-free options. Fruit Infusions: Add fresh peach slices, berries, watermelon, or pineapple during steeping for natural fruit flavors and enhanced sweetness. Herb Combinations: Experiment with basil, lavender, rosemary, or thyme instead of mint for unique aromatic profiles and sophisticated taste. Spiced Versions: Include cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, or star anise during steeping for warming spices and complex flavor layers. Citrus Options: Substitute lime, orange, or grapefruit juice for different acidic notes that brighten and balance the tea’s natural tannins. Concentrate Method: Make double-strength tea concentrate and dilute with sparkling water for effervescent sweet tea with festive bubbles.

Good To Know

Tea Quality Matters: Use high-quality black tea bags or loose leaf tea for richer flavor and fewer bitter tannins – cheap tea bags create harsh, astringent tea. Steeping Time: Steep 5-7 minutes for optimal flavor extraction without bitterness; longer steeping creates astringent tea that’s unpleasant even when sweetened. Sweetener Timing: Add maple syrup while tea is hot for complete dissolution and even sweetness distribution throughout the pitcher. Water Temperature: Use filtered water heated to 200-212°F (93-100°C) for proper tea extraction and clean taste without mineral interference. Cooling Method: Add cold water immediately after sweetening to stop extraction process and prevent over-steeping that creates bitter flavors. Storage Guidelines: Refrigerate up to 5 days in covered pitcher; flavors actually improve after 24 hours as ingredients meld together. Serving Temperature: Serve over ice at 35-40°F (2-4°C) for optimal refreshment and flavor perception in hot weather. Southern Tradition: True Southern sweet tea is sweetened while hot – adding sweetener to cold tea never achieves the same smooth integration. Batch Scaling: Recipe doubles easily for large gatherings; make day ahead for parties as flavors develop and improve with time.