Southern sweet iced tea (sweet tea)
Strong brewed black tea, heavily sweetened while still hot so the sugar dissolves, then cooled and served ice-cold over cubes with a lemon slice. Sweet, thirst-quenching, generous.
Strong brewed black tea, heavily sweetened while still hot so the sugar dissolves, then cooled and served ice-cold over cubes with a lemon slice. Sweet, thirst-quenching, generous.
There's always a big pitcher of sweet tea in the fridge at home, that's a given. You have to sweeten it while it's still hot, otherwise the sugar won't dissolve right — little family secret. Serve it ice-cold with a lemon slice, and on a hot day, honestly, there's nothing better. It's the drink that brings everyone around the table.
- •Black tea — several bags (brewed base)
- •Sugar — generously (signature sweetness)
- •Water — a large pitcher (medium)
- •Lemon — sliced (freshness)
Southern sweet iced tea (sweet tea)
Strong brewed black tea, heavily sweetened while still hot so the sugar dissolves, then cooled and served ice-cold over cubes with a lemon slice. Sweet, thirst-quenching, generous.
Why this dish? In the African American and Southern culture that nourished Aaliyah's family, the big pitcher of sweet iced tea is on every table, festive and everyday: the drink that refreshes and accompanies Sunday dinner.
There's always a big pitcher of sweet tea in the fridge at home, that's a given. You have to sweeten it while it's still hot, otherwise the sugar won't dissolve right — little family secret. Serve it ice-cold with a lemon slice, and on a hot day, honestly, there's nothing better. It's the drink that brings everyone around the table.
Ingredients (period version)
- Black tea — several bags (brewed base)
- Sugar — generously (signature sweetness)
- Water — a large pitcher (medium)
- Lemon — sliced (freshness)
Ingredients
- Black tea bags — 6 (infusion)
- Water — 1.5 liters (base)
- Sugar — 120 to 180 g to taste (sweetness)
- Lemon — 1, sliced into rounds (tangy garnish)
- Ice cubes — as needed (serve very cold)
Method
- Bring 1 liter of water to a simmer, remove from heat and steep tea bags for 5-7 min.
- Remove bags, add sugar while tea is hot and stir until fully dissolved.
- Dilute with 0.5 liter cold water and let cool.
- Refrigerate, then serve in tall glasses filled with ice, garnished with a lemon slice.
How it was made : Sweet tea has been a Southern US institution since the 19th century, becoming emblematic of African American tables. It is always sweetened hot for perfect dissolution. It's a democratic drink, present from daily meals to large family gatherings.
The contemporary twist : Add a few fresh mint leaves or a peach slice to the pitcher for a fragrant summer twist.
Sources : Adrian Miller, Soul Food: The Surprising Story of an American Cuisine, 2013
Aaliyah · Charactorium
