Sweet Tea Swagger
Quench your thirst with the ultimate Southern-inspired refreshment—Sweet Tea Swagger! This recipe takes traditional sweet tea to the next level with a bold blend of black tea, fresh mint, zesty lemon juice, and vibrant orange slices, creating a perfectly balanced, citrus-infused twist. The secret ingredient, a touch of baking soda, works wonders to reduce bitterness and enhance the tea's smoothness. Crafted with just the right amount of sweetness and chilled to perfection with plenty of ice, this crowd-pleaser is a must-have for hot summer days or any time you need a cooling pick-me-up. Serve it over extra ice and garnish with sprigs of mint or a cheerful orange slice for a stunning presentation. Perfect for barbecues, picnics, or relaxing afternoons, Sweet Tea Swagger is a deliciously refreshing sip of Southern charm!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 6 count black tea bags
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 8 cups water
- 4 cups ice cubes
- 1 large lemon
- 10 leaves fresh mint leaves
- 4 slices orange slices
- 0.25 teaspoon baking soda (optional)
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the black tea bags. Let steep for 5 minutes.
If desired, add 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda to the tea while it steeps to reduce bitterness and enhance smoothness.
Discard the tea bags, being careful not to squeeze them, which can release tannins and make the tea bitter.
Stir in the granulated sugar while the tea is still hot, ensuring it fully dissolves.
In a large pitcher, combine the brewed tea with the remaining 4 cups of cold water.
Add ice cubes to the pitcher to cool the tea further.
Slice the lemon into thin wedges and squeeze the juice into the tea. Drop the lemon wedges into the pitcher for added flavor.
Tear the fresh mint leaves gently to release their aroma and add them to the pitcher, stirring gently.
Garnish the tea with orange slices for a bright, citrusy flair.
Chill the tea in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving for the best flavor.
Serve over additional ice cubes with extra mint leaves or orange slices as garnish if desired. Enjoy your Sweet Tea Swagger!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
842 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 0.4 g | 1% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 374 mg | 16% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 221.4 g | 81% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.2 g | 19% | |
| Total Sugars | 213.3 g | ||
| Protein | 2.1 g | 4% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 196 mg | 15% | |
| Iron | 1.0 mg | 6% | |
| Potassium | 347 mg | 7% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
