In my former life as a Yankee, iced tea was always Lipton, or something similar. Always kind of bland, but good, nonetheless.All you had to do was add water and ice, and you were good to go!
After crossing the Mason Dixon line for the last time 25 years ago, I became a full fledged southerner, and "sweet tea" became a passion!!
I had always heard of sweet tea, but had never really had any, other than Lipton with way too much sugar poured in it!! While living on the west coast, I discovered "sun tea", but that, too, was a derivative of Lipton, just made outside in a big jar!!!!
The husband and I ate lunch at the local diner today, and "sweetea" it was! It is even pronounced like a single word!
"Sweet tea" is a tea unto itself. It welcomes you home, soothes the soul, and it oozes southern hospitality with each sip...........
Please join us for Tea on Tuesdays, and see Patty and Kimmie's blog for links to other teas!!
:) I notice even McDonald's offers sweet tea in N VA now! That should keep your motor running !!!
ReplyDeleteHappy T Tuesday to ya!
I wonder what the secret is? is it sweetened with a simple syrup? or maybe the sugar is added while the tea is hot (before chilling it to iced) ..... however it's down it sure does sound good - especially with those fries (wink)
ReplyDeleteHappy Tuesday! and thanks for playing :)
I think it must be a simple syrup - because I can get a similar flavor with my lavender syrup. :>)
ReplyDeleteI am with ya gal! I love to get far enough south to hit a Cracker Barrel Restaurant and order sweetea. It lets me know I am almost home!! (My folks live in Arkansas!)
ReplyDeleteBlessings~LillySue
There are several places here in southern DE where we can get sweet tea. Since I am one who often drinks UNSWEETENED iced tea, I'm not yet adjusted to sweet tea!!!!
ReplyDeleteSouthern sweet tea is made by steeping the tea bags, pouring the steeped tea while it is still hot into a pitcher and adding the amount of sugar desired. It really varies from house to house, but most like it too sweet. Water is then added to dilute the mixture to the desired strength. It must has a deep, rich color or the maker will be accused of making "pee weak" tea.
ReplyDeleteI posted a Tuesday tea today, too.
We always make it by adding the sugar to the hot tea before it cools. However, now I usually drink water or get unsweetened. Have to control that blood sugar.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your "Sweet Tea 101' today, I think I must give it a try. Lennie
ReplyDeleteI've always read about sweet tea in books, and thought it was some special recipe. Tea and sugar. How unique! I blush to admit I had some at Micky D's, and it was very good. But, I'm sure it was made with Liptons. I have recently become an iced tea drinker, and like a little lemon added, also.
ReplyDeleteGreat blog.
sweet tea in an old coke glass - just delightful. My son worked for a resort ranch and he said you must always pour your sugar in with boiling water, dissolve and then add your tea bags. it really does work very well for a good sweet tea.
ReplyDeleteperfect complement to those FRIES....nummmmm.
ReplyDeletei remember seeing a billboard advertising sweet tea at mc donald's this summer. what next? then they have the really FUNNY boards promoting something about being rich, without having to spend big bucks by driving through and ordering latte's, or cappacino's........my oh my. just NOT WHAT we have in mind, i'm sure.
Don't you just love the subjects that will draw us in to comment? I make my sweetea with suntea (one word, too) and my microwaved 'sirop' with honey and water, heated then added to individual taste per glass.
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