Southern Ice Tea Recipe

Down in South Carolina, where we drink ice tea throughout the year, we are very particular.  Area fast food places have ice tea, but not the real thing.  Restaurants usually do.  If you ask why it's so good, most will tell you that it's the water.  But I believe it's all about the strength.  Plenty will disagree, or have their special way of making.  This is how I make ice tea--I remember my mother making it this way for years.

Cherie's Recipe for Southern Ice Tea
This makes 1 gallon (we drink a lot of it, especially in summer) *

• In glass container (I use a quart liquid measuring cup) bring to a boil about 3 C. of water in microwave, or you can do this in pan on stove.  Let it set 1 minute.
• Place 3 family size tea bags into hot water (or 9 regular serving)
• Let tea brew for 5 minutes.
• Meanwhile, put 3/4 C. sugar in gallon pitcher.
• When tea is done brewing, remove tea bags and pour brew over sugar in pitcher.  Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
• Add cold water to fill 1 gallon pitcher.

You can make it less sweet or sweeter by adjusting sugar.  Or make it unsweetened.  If you want it stronger or weaker, adjust the brewing time.

*For 1/2 gallon of ice tea: use 2 family tea bags (or 4 regular serving), brew for 3-4 minutes, use 1/2 amount of sugar.