Iced Tea Bliss: Mastering the Art of Sweet Tea Concentrate for Instant Refreshment
Sweet tea holds a special place in the hearts and homes of many, offering a refreshing and comforting beverage for any occasion.
Imagine having the convenience of sweet tea concentrate readily available in your pantry, ready to be transformed into a delightful pitcher of iced tea at a moment's notice. In this article, we'll share a simple and versatile recipe for sweet tea concentrate that will ensure you're always prepared to welcome surprise guests or enjoy a cooling drink during power outages. Join us as we dive into the art of making sweet tea concentrate and discover the joy of sipping on a glass of homemade goodness.
Recipe: Sweet Tea Concentrate
Ingredients (per quart):
- - 10 black tea bags
- - 1 1/2 cups sugar
- - 1-2 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
- - Boiling water
Instructions:
1. Prepare the concentrate:
- In a quart-sized jar, pour the sugar.
- Place the tea bags in the jar, making sure the tags hang outside the jar.
- Carefully pour boiling water into the jar, leaving a 1-inch headspace.
2. Steep the tea:
- Put a flat lid and ring on the jar to hold the tea bags in place.
- Allow the tea to steep in the jar for 60 minutes.
3. Remove tea bags and add optional lemon juice:
- After steeping, remove the tea bags from the jar, squeezing out any extra liquid.
- If desired, add 1-2 tablespoons of lemon juice to the jar.
4. Adjust water level and prepare for canning:
- Top off the jar with more water if needed, leaving a 1/4-inch headspace.
- Wipe the rims of the jar with a paper towel dipped in vinegar.
- Secure the flat lid and ring on the jar, tightening it fingertip tight.
5. Process and store:
- Prepare your water bath canner by filling it with hot water and a splash of vinegar to prevent hard water film.
- Place the jars in the canner, ensuring the water level is 1-2 inches above the jars.
- Bring the water in the canner to a rolling boil and process the jars for 15 minutes.
- Once the processing time is complete, turn off the burner and carefully remove the jars from the canner.
- Set the jars on a kitchen towel to cool for 24 hours.
- After cooling, remove the rings, wash the jars, and label them for storage.
6. Serving and enjoying:
- When ready to serve, open a jar of sweet tea concentrate and pour it into a pitcher.
- Add 3 quarts of cold water to the pitcher and stir to combine.
- Pour the refreshing sweet tea over ice, garnish with lemon slices if desired, and enjoy!
With sweet tea concentrate on hand, you can effortlessly treat yourself and surprise guests to a glass of invigorating and homemade iced tea.
The convenience and versatility of this pantry staple make it a must-have for any tea lover. Indulge in the simple pleasure of a cool, sweet sip on a hot summer's day or whenever the mood strikes. From your cozy kitchen to your glass, may each sip of sweet tea bring you joy and refreshment.
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