I prefer homemade iced tea to soda and powdered drink mixes because it’s natural, inexpensive, low in calories, and full of antioxidants.
I adapted this from a southern sweet tea recipe that was about 4 times too sweet for my Yankee palate :)
Homemade Iced Tea Recipe
6 tea bags
1/8 t baking soda
1/3 cup sugar
8 cups water
1/3 cup sugar
8 cups water
In a measuring cup or small pan, cover 6 tea bags with 2 cups of boiling water. Stir in 1/8 t baking soda (this keeps it from looking cloudy). Let it steep for about 15 minutes, then remove the tea bags.
Measure 1/3 cup sugar into a large pitcher. Add the steeped tea and whisk to dissolve the sugar. Add 6 cups cold water. Whisk to combine, cover, and chill.
I serve this over lots of ice with lemon slices or fresh mint. It travels well in Mason Jars for picnics, road trips, and other away from home beverage consuming occasions :)
Anonymous says
Sage! I always learn something new from your blog. I would have never thought to put baking soda in my iced tea! Thanks! BarbieP
Tracey McBride says
Hi Sage! I just saw your new post when browsing. This probably is no surprise, but I’m an iced tea addict too. Although, I am trying to tone it down a bit by rotating between black tea and Yerba Mate. That being said, I am definitely going to try this recipe. I’m very curious as to what the baking soda adds to the final taste.
You always have great recipes and ideas.
Thanks for sharing them with us.
Warmly,
Tracey
P.S. I forgot to tell you that I made your Falafel recipe a while back (used the frying pan). It was really, really, really good! My daughter Katie LOVED it–like you–she’s a Falafel nut. We usually buy ours from a family owned, Greek take-out place down the street–it’s really delicious but kind of expensive. The good news is, she liked this better (I think it was because your recipe wasn’t as dry as theirs–to be fair–that might be because I made mine a lot smaller). Just wanted to let you know and say thanks again! xox
Miss Liz says
I grew up in the south. Just thinking about sweet tea brings back good childhood memories of warm summer nights sitting outside sipping sweat tea…good memories!
Anonymous says
Hi Sage,
what purpose does the baking soda serve in the recipe?
Thanks!
Anonymous says
Please dismiss the above question, I read your entry carefully for the answer. I’m sorry!
Sage says
Tracey, I’m so glad your daughter likes the falafel! Much like the Trader Joe’s hummus, I was going broke buying it. It’s very satisfying to make something just as good myself, and for a lot less money :)