Order tea in the South and sweet iced tea is what you get. No matter what the season or the weather.
On a rather cold and rainy day back in '70's I ordered a tea at a Florida restaurant. Tea - just tea - is all I said.
Imagine my amazement when a tall glass filled to the brim with ice and tea was delivered to my table. Imagine my face when after putting in several packets of sugar I sipped to discover the tea had already been sweetened.
Honey, that was my introduction to sweet southern tea.
Beginning in the 18th century tea was grown in South Carolina, near Charleston, and has thrived ever since. It is easy to make and easy of the wallet. And a little tea and sugar can go along way to refresh everyone.
To make true sweet tea- according to my friend Betty D - is to let the black tea steep to whatever strength the drinker desires. A lighter taste is best, advises Betty.
Word of caution - brewing tea too long can make it bitter. Adding granulated sugar - not raw sugar or honey is usually done by mixing the sugar with some water and then adding the tea. A good rule of thumb is 1 cup of sugar to a gallon of tea. Of course you can make it a tad healthier by adding in sugar substitutes.
But as Betty D says - "if I can't pronounce it - I'm not putting it in my tea.
If you want tea for the evening - make it in the morning and let it set in a cool place. Don't put in too many ice cubes it can dilute the taste.
Enjoy y'all!
