Nothing says summer like a glass of iced sweet tea! Many folks I know drink their tea unsweetened, or with some artificial sweetener — but I prefer sugar. Maybe it’s just in my blood, from being born in the south…

Anyway, the important thing is sweet tea is supposed to be SWEET. And it tastes better if the sugar goes in before the tea is cold; either into the water before brewing or immediately afterwards. It just isn’t the same when you try to stir the sugar in to cold tea.

Super simple to make, and cheap:

8 single-serve tea bags (I use Lipton here, but Luzianne Tea is preferred). Use 10 bags if you like it stronger. Or use loose tea and strain

1 cup sugar

Boiling water, about 4-6 cups

Steep the tea bags, with the sugar, for a good 20 minutes. Pour into a gallon-size pitcher and add cold water / ice to fill. Enjoy! Also good with lemon slices.

(note: some folks put just a pinch of baking soda into their pitcher; this makes it a little less bitter and darkens the tea a little, too. I don’t bother.)