Sweet Tea Two Ways
Introduction
Sweet tea is a classic drink that many people love, especially during warm days. With this recipe, you can enjoy two delightful versions of sweet tea. Whether you prefer the fruity taste of strawberries or the sweet essence of peaches, this recipe has got you covered!
Why Make This Recipe
Making sweet tea is simple, and it’s a wonderful way to cool down. This recipe is perfect for family gatherings, picnics, or just a lazy afternoon. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use fresh fruits and impress your friends with your mixology skills!
How to Make Sweet Tea Two Ways
Let’s dive into making these delicious sweet teas, starting with the Strawberry Sweet Tea.
Ingredients
- 3 cups strawberries, washed and stems removed, then sliced
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup sugar (for strawberry simple syrup)
- 3 cups boiling water
- 3 family-sized Lipton original tea bags
- 8 cups cold water
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 lemon, cut into slices or wedges for garnish
- 6 to 8 strawberries, washed but leave stems on, with a cut on the bottom for garnish
- ice
- 5 cups water, divided into 4 cups and 1 cup
- 1 family-size tea bag (or 3 regular-size bags)
- 3/4 cup sugar (for peach sweet tea)
- 3/4 cup honey
- 2 cups frozen peaches, thawed and pureed (or 2 cups fresh peaches peeled and sliced)
- 2 cups frozen peaches, for serving
Directions
To make Strawberry Sweet Tea, start by preparing the strawberry simple syrup. Combine the sliced strawberries, 2 cups of water, and 1 cup of sugar in a pot. Heat it up until the sugar dissolves and the strawberries release their lovely juices. Strain this mixture and set it aside.
Next, for the sweet tea, take 3 cups of boiling water and steep the tea bags for about 5 minutes. After that, remove the tea bags and stir in 1 cup of sugar until it’s dissolved. Mix in the sweet tea with 8 cups of cold water and add lemon juice. Chill the tea in the refrigerator.
When you’re ready to serve, pour the tea over ice and garnish with lemon slices and strawberries.
For the Peach Sweet Tea, bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a pot and add the tea bag, steeping it as you did before. In another bowl, mix 3/4 cup sugar, 3/4 cup honey, and 1 cup of water, heating until it dissolves. Blend this sweet mixture with pureed peaches. Combine everything, serve it over ice, and finish with fresh frozen peach slices.
How to Serve Sweet Tea Two Ways
Pour the chilled tea into glasses filled with ice. Garnish your Strawberry Sweet Tea with lemon slices and fresh strawberries. For Peach Sweet Tea, add frozen peach slices for a pop of color and extra flavor!
How to Store Sweet Tea Two Ways
Store any leftover sweet tea in a sealed container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to 5 days. If you notice the tea becoming too sweet over time, just add a bit of water to cool it down.
Tips to Make Sweet Tea Two Ways
- Use fresh fruits for the best flavor.
- Adjust the sugar to your taste. If you like it less sweet, cut back on the sugar.
- You can add mint leaves for an extra refreshing touch!
Variation
Try adding a splash of lemon or lime juice for a zesty twist! You can also mix the two teas together for a Sweet Tea Fusion.
FAQs
1. Can I use other fruits for sweet tea?
Yes! You can experiment with other fruits like raspberries, mangoes, or even blueberries.
2. How can I make the tea stronger?
Steep the tea bags for a longer time or add an extra tea bag.
3. Is it possible to make this tea without sugar?
Absolutely! You can use a sugar substitute or simply enjoy the tea without added sweetness.
