Mountain-Style Sweet Iced Tea
Experience the taste of North Carolina with this delicious Mountain-Style Sweet Iced Tea. A cherished family recipe passed down from my mother-in-law, this iced tea blends the perfect balance of sweetness with refreshing brewed tea, making it a popular choice at her mountain deli. Whether you're hosting a gathering or simply unwinding on a warm day, this easy recipe serves up a gallon of delightful iced tea that will leave your guests asking for more. Perfectly sweetened and steeped to perfection, a glass of this tea is the ideal companion for any occasion.
10
Servings
N/A
Calories
3
Ingredients
Ingredients
Luizianne family-size tea bags
4 (Unopened)
Granulated sugar
3/4 cup (To taste)
Hot water
1 gallon (Boiling and from faucet)
Instructions
1
Start by boiling a full cup of water in the microwave until it reaches a rolling boil; a large measuring cup works well for this.
2
Once the water is boiling, submerge the 4 tea bags in it and allow them to steep for 3 minutes, or until the water turns a rich dark color.
3
Carefully pour the dark tea concentrate into a large pitcher. Then, refill the measuring cup with hot water from the faucet and let it steep for an additional 2 minutes.
4
Add the sugar to the pitcher with the dark tea and stir until fully dissolved.
5
Pour the second batch of hot water from the measuring cup into the pitcher, then fill the remainder of the pitcher with more hot water from the faucet, stirring gently to mix.
6
Place the pitcher in the refrigerator to chill for at least an hour before serving.
7
To enjoy, pour over ice in your favorite glass, and feel free to steep your tea an extra time or two based on your preferred strength. For a quick fix, one steeping will suffice.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mountain-Style Sweet Iced Tea?
It is a cherished North Carolina family recipe that blends a perfect balance of sweetness with refreshing brewed tea.
Where did this recipe originate?
This recipe was passed down from the creator's mother-in-law and was a popular choice at her mountain deli.
What brand of tea bags is recommended?
The recipe specifically recommends using Luizianne family-size tea bags.
How many tea bags are needed?
You will need 4 family-size tea bags to make one gallon of tea.
How much sugar is in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of granulated sugar, though it can be adjusted to taste.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the tea?
Yes, the sugar amount is suggested as 3/4 cup but can be modified based on your personal preference.
What is the total yield of this recipe?
This recipe makes one gallon of sweet iced tea.
How long should the first steeping last?
The first steeping should last for 3 minutes or until the water turns a rich dark color.
Does the water need to be boiling?
Yes, you should start by boiling a full cup of water until it reaches a rolling boil.
Can I use a microwave to boil the water?
Yes, boiling the water in a large measuring cup in the microwave works well for this recipe.
How many times should the tea bags be steeped?
The instructions recommend two steepings, but you can do extra steepings based on your preferred strength.
How long is the second steeping period?
The second steeping period should last for approximately 2 minutes.
When do I add the sugar to the tea?
Add the sugar to the pitcher after pouring in the first batch of dark tea concentrate and stir until dissolved.
What size pitcher is required?
You will need a large pitcher capable of holding at least one gallon of liquid.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 10 servings.
How long should the tea chill before serving?
The tea should be placed in the refrigerator to chill for at least one hour.
Can I serve this tea immediately?
It is best to chill it for an hour, but for a quick fix, one steeping will suffice before serving over ice.
Is this a traditional Southern recipe?
Yes, it is described as a Southern recipe and a North Carolina mountain favorite.
What is the best way to serve Mountain-Style Sweet Tea?
It is best enjoyed poured over ice in your favorite glass.
How can I make the tea flavor stronger?
You can steep your tea bags an extra time or two beyond the recommended two steepings for a stronger flavor.
Is there a quick version of this recipe?
Yes, if you are in a hurry, a single steeping will suffice.
Is this recipe good for gatherings?
Absolutely, it is described as a delightful party beverage that will leave guests asking for more.
What type of sugar should I use?
The recipe calls for standard granulated sugar.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are only 3 main ingredients: tea bags, sugar, and water.
What type of water is used for the majority of the gallon?
The remainder of the pitcher is filled with hot water from the faucet after the initial boiling and steeping.
What is the preparation style for the tea bags?
The tea bags should be unopened and submerged in boiling water for steeping.
How do I ensure the sugar is fully dissolved?
Stir the sugar into the dark tea concentrate in the pitcher before adding the rest of the water.
What is the category of this recipe?
This recipe falls under the Beverages category.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include iced tea, sweet tea, refreshment, southern recipe, homemade, simple drinks, and mountain style.
Is this a family-style recipe?
Yes, it is a cherished family recipe passed down through generations.