Sweet Tea Concentrate

Name: Sweet Tea Concentrate
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 20 servings (5 cups concentrate)
Ingredients: 2 medium lemons; 4 cups sugar; 4 cups water; 1-1/2 cups English breakfast tea leaves or 20 black tea bags; EACH SERVING:; 1 cup cold water; Ice cubes

Total Time Prep: 30 min. + cooling

Yield 20 servings (5 cups concentrate)

Test Kitchen Approved

Sweet iced tea is a southern classic, and this is a fabulous recipe for tea lovers or for a party. The concentrate will make 20 servings. —Natalie Bremson, Plantation, Florida

Ingredients

2 medium lemons
4 cups sugar
4 cups water
1-1/2 cups English breakfast tea leaves or 20 black tea bags
EACH SERVING:
1 cup cold water
Ice cubes

Directions

Using a vegetable peeler or sharp paring knife, peel the lemon lengthwise into strips, peeling only the zest; reserve. Squeeze fruit, reserving 1/3 cup; save remaining juice for another use.

In a large saucepan, combine sugar and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, until sugar is dissolved, 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat; add tea leaves and lemon zest strips. Cover and steep for 15 minutes. Strain tea, discarding tea leaves and lemon zest; stir in lemon juice. Cool to room temperature.
Transfer to a container with a tight-fitting lid. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
To prepare tea: In a tall glass, combine 1 cup cold water with 1/4 cup concentrate; add ice.

Nutrition Facts

1/4 cup concentrate: 165 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 27mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (40g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.

Sweet iced tea is a southern classic, and this is a fabulous recipe for tea lovers or for a party. The concentrate will make 20 servings. —Natalie Bremson, Plantation, Florida

Recipe Creator