Indulge in the beloved Southern classic with “Sweet Tea Concentrate,” a fabulous recipe from Natalie Bremson in Plantation, Florida, perfect for hosting a gathering of tea enthusiasts. This delightful concentrate unlocks the essence of sweet iced tea, encapsulating the rich flavors of English breakfast or black tea, blended with refreshing lemon accents.
Ideal for larger parties, this concentrate yields 20 servings, making it an excellent choice for sharing cherished moments with family and friends over a tall glass of this timeless beverage.
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 medium lemons
- 4 cups sugar
- 4 cups water
- 1½ cups English breakfast tea leaves or 20 black tea bags
- ⅓ cup lemon juice
PREPARATIONS:
- Remove the peels from the lemons, saving the fruit for another use.
- In a large saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat, and add the tea leaves and lemon peels. Cover and let it steep for 15 minutes. Strain the tea, discarding the tea leaves and lemon peels. Stir in the lemon juice, and let it cool to room temperature.
- Transfer the concentrate to a container with a tight-fitting lid and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
YIELD: 20 SERVINGS (5 CUPS OF CONCENTRATE)
PREPARATION TIME: 30 MINUTES + COOLING
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- Customize the sweetness to your preference by adjusting the amount of concentrate used when preparing individual servings.
TIPS:
- To serve, mix 1 cup of cold water with ¼ cup of the sweet tea concentrate, and add ice cubes for a refreshing and revitalizing beverage.
Enter the world of quintessential Southern charm with “Sweet Tea Concentrate,” a delightful recipe crafted by Natalie Bremson in Plantation, Florida. As a fervent celebration of the beloved classic, this concentrate brings together the harmonious blend of English breakfast or black tea and zesty lemon, capturing the essence of the timeless iced tea.
Perfect for gatherings of tea enthusiasts, this fabulous concentrate yields 20 servings, making it a delightful addition to memorable moments shared with family and friends.
The recipe commences by extracting the essence of lemons, delicately removing the peels while reserving the fruit for future endeavors. In a harmonious dance, sugar and water unite in a simmering embrace, creating a syrupy sweetness that enhances the tea’s flavors.
The heart of this concentrate lies in the English breakfast or black tea leaves, allowed to steep with lemon peels, infusing the beverage with a distinctive taste that captivates the senses. A touch of lemon juice elevates the flavors to new heights, adding a refreshing zest to the concoction.
Once prepared, the concentrate is thoughtfully stored in a container, awaiting the moment when it will be called upon to delight tea aficionados with its timeless essence.
To indulge in this delightful treat, one need only mix the cold water with ¼ cup of the sweet tea concentrate, adding ice cubes to cool the senses and creating the ultimate revitalizing beverage.
As you savor each sip of “Sweet Tea Concentrate,” you’ll be transported to the heart of the South, where sweet tea is not just a drink but an embodiment of cherished traditions and the warm embrace of Southern hospitality.
In conclusion, “Sweet Tea Concentrate” is a recipe that embodies the essence of the South, where tea is an art form that unites friends and family in celebration. Natalie Bremson’s creation captures the true spirit of this beloved beverage, inviting all who partake to savor the richness of flavors that have delighted generations.
