flipSouthern sweet iced tea (sweet tea)
Southern sweet iced tea (sweet tea)
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.
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
