Southern Sweet Tea with Mint

When the weather gets warm around here, it's time for tea - southern sweet tea, that is!

Boiling the sugar and water together will result in crystal clear tea - no sugar floating around in the glass either. Start by bringing 8 cups of water and 1 cup of sugar to a full boil.

Turn off the heat and add 8 tea bags - I have a friend who was born and raised in the South and she insists Luzianne is the best for sweet tea, but you can use your favorite brand.   

I tie the strings together so the tags don't float around in the tea - makes removal easy too.  Steep for 20-30 minutes.

Remove tea bags and gently squeeze to get all that yummy goodness out of them. Add 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda - yes baking soda.  It will eliminate any acidic bitterness and you'll never know it's in there.  Add 8 large spearmint leaves, stir well, and pour over ice (equal parts tea to ice).

Now sit on the porch and enjoy!

Items used to make this recipe:

(affiliate links)

• Luzianne tea bags http://amzn.to/2oEHxNA

• southern-style glass pitcher https://amzn.to/44IJauw

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Southern Sweet Tea with Mint

Makes about 1 gallon

Printable Recipe

Ingredients

• 8 cups water

• 1 cup sugar

• 8 tea bags

• 5-6 mint leaves

• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda

• 8 cups ice

• Additional mint leaves for garnish

Directions

1. Bring water and sugar to a full boil.

2. Remove from heat and add tea bags.

3. Steep for 20-30 minutes.

4. Add mint leaves and baking soda; stir well.

5. Pour tea over ice and enjoy.