"New Jack Swing" Southern Sweet Tea

Growing up in the South, tea has always meant iced tea and not the hot stuff they drink in England.

So yo, gather 'round, y'all, 'cause we're about to dive into a Southern sweet tea experience that's as smooth as the groove of a "New Jack Swing" track. Picture this: golden sunlight, a porch swing gently swaying, and in your hands, a glass of Southern sweet tea with a twist. We're talking about a sip that takes you back, sweetened with the rich, caramel notes of piloncillo and kissed with a squeeze of fresh lemon.

It's that perfect harmony of sweet and tangy, where the nostalgia of the South meets the rhythmic beats of a '90s classic. So, kick back, let the sweet tea flow, and vibe with the soulful tunes of a new jack swing – it's a melody that'll have you groovin' and sippin' in Southern style.

What Makes It Southern Tea

Southern sweet tea is a beloved and iconic beverage in Southern United States, known for its refreshing, sweetened, and iced tea flavor. Typically made with black tea, Southern sweet tea is brewed to a robust strength and then sweetened with a generous amount of sugar while it's still hot. The sweetened tea is then chilled over ice, creating a cool and sweetened beverage that's perfect for sipping on hot Southern days.

The preparation of sweet tea can vary based on personal preferences, with some adding a squeeze of lemon for a touch of acidity or garnishing with fresh mint for added freshness. It's a staple at family gatherings, picnics, and Southern celebrations, often enjoyed on porches or during barbecue feasts. Sweet tea has become a cultural symbol, representing hospitality and the laid-back charm of Southern living.

It's hard to beat a glass of cold sweet tea on a hot day. And while sweet tea may seem like a simple beverage, there's actually an art to making it just right. Here's a Southern sweet tea recipe with a twist that is heavy on the art side. It's true to the Southern way but elevated to craft status.

There's nothing quite like a cold glass of this classic Southern drink on a hot summer day. Down in the deep South sweet tea is a staple. While the recipe for sweet tea may seem simple - just add sugar to iced tea - there are a few tips and tricks that will help you make the perfect pitcher.

True Southerners just call it tea or the house wine of the South. The sweetness is assumed. We are so serious about the sweet that many of us carry sugar packets on us when we travel up North to fix that unsweetened tea!

For classic Southern sweet tea the formula is simply sugar, tea, and water with lemon juice being optional. You just adjust the amount of sugar up or down to suit your personal preference.

What Makes This Sweet Tea Different

Most sweet tea recipes are sweetened with plane white can sugar. I changed things up by using piloncillo instead. Piloncillo is basically Mexican brown sugar. It has a rich, caramel-like flavor with notes of molasses, making it a popular choice for sweetening various dishes and beverages. Basically you add some subtle flavor complexity to the beverage without adding difficulty to the recipe.

Mood Music (music to pair with sweet tea)

This tea recipe breaks from tradition somewhat so it's got that new jack element to it!

Groove to the infectious beats of Wreckx-N-Effect's "New Jack Swing" as you sip on the classic charm of Southern sweet tea. The rhythmic flow of the song, with its smooth melodies and upbeat tempo, mirrors the laid-back yet lively essence of the South. Picture yourself on a sunny porch, immersed in the nostalgia of the '90s, with a glass of perfectly sweetened iced tea in hand.

The fusion of the song's energetic vibes and the cool, sweet notes of the tea creates a harmonious blend that embodies the spirit of good times and Southern hospitality. So, kick back, enjoy the rhythm, and let the "New Jack Swing" enhance the sweetness of your Southern sipping experience. Cheers to the perfect pairing of music and a timeless Southern classic!

Why Is Black Tea Used

Black tea is commonly used to make Southern sweet tea because of its robust flavor and ability to stand up to the sweetening process. Southern sweet tea is known for its deep, amber color and a bold taste that complements the addition of sugar and ice. Here are a few reasons why black tea is the preferred choice:

1. Strong Flavor Profile: Black tea, often sourced from varieties like Assam or Ceylon, has a robust and full-bodied flavor. This strong profile allows the tea to maintain its character even when sweetened and iced.
2. Tannins: Black tea contains tannins, which are compounds that contribute a slightly astringent taste. When sweetened, the tannins help balance the sweetness, preventing the tea from becoming overly sugary.
3. Caffeine Content: Black tea naturally contains caffeine, providing a gentle energy boost. This makes it an ideal choice for a refreshing and slightly invigorating beverage.
4. Versatility: Black tea pairs well with a variety of flavor additions, such as lemon, mint, or other herbs. Its versatility allows for customization, making it adaptable to different preferences.
5. Cultural Tradition: In the Southern United States, the tradition of sweet tea is deeply ingrained, and black tea has become synonymous with this iconic beverage. The strong, bold flavor of black tea aligns perfectly with the boldness of Southern sweet tea.

Overall, the rich and bold qualities of black tea create a satisfying and flavorful base for Southern sweet tea, making it a beloved and refreshing beverage enjoyed across the region.

Sweet Tea Ingredients

For the Simple Syrup

• Honey
• Thyme
• Piloncillo - It's my secret ingredient. Piloncillo is Mexican brown sugar. It is more complex and cleaner than plain sugar which is why I prefer it for iced tea recipes.
• Cold Water

For the Tea

• Lemon Juice
• Black Tea Bags -you'll need multiple so go with larger family size tea bags if you can find them.
• Hot Water

How To Make This Sweet Tea

Make the Simple Syrup

Simple syrup is basically sugar water, i.e. plain sugar dissolved in boiled water. I use piloncillo in place of sugar.

Add water and piloncillo to a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook until piloncillo cone is fully dissolved. Add the honey and cook for another five minutes.

Remove off heat then allow the thyme to steep in the simple syrup for 10 minutes.

Make the Tea

1. Start with a strong black tea.

Add the tea bags to a large gallon pitcher with hot water for the tea steep. Be sure to leave room in the pitcher for the simple syrup.

2. Sweeten The Hot Tea

Sweeten it to your liking with simple syrup. Taste and adjust as needed

3. Add lemon juice for tartness

Squeeze the juice from the lemons and add to the tea. Stir well and either refrigerate the tea or sit it out and allow it to reach room temperature

4. Pour A Glass

Serve tea in a mason jar filled with ice cubes. It's gotta be a mason jar lol! Nah seriously a tall glass is fine too.

Tips and Considerations

Use regular tea bags over tea leaves. No need for any of the fancy stuff. Southern style sweet tea is made with black tea!

When making tea for the family or guests, I use those family-sized tea bags and strive to make about a gallon of sweet tea.

The best sweet tea in my opinion has a nice balance between the tartness and sweetness. Sweet is good, but too much sugar or sweetness and you can't taste the tea.

Add lemon slices to the pitcher of tea.

Some like to add fresh mint to their sweet tea for a more refreshing element.

Adding baking soda to Southern sweet tea is a traditional practice that serves a specific purpose i.e. to reduce the tea's natural acidity.

I like making a simple syrup to sweeten my tea. Liquids tend to dissolve more easily than can sugar.

Start with a good quality tea bag. Use black tea for the best flavor and make sure to brew the tea for the full recommended time to give it a strong flavor.

If you prefer to use sugar instead of simple syrup, add the sugar while the tea is still hot so that it dissolves more easily.

To save time some people like to make a sweet tea concentrate ahead of time and keep on hand when ready to consume.

Southern tea is not just for hot summer days. It is common to have it at family dinners, especially during the holidays. It's often the beverage of choice.

Tea pairs well with a good comfort meal including recipes like brisket grilled cheese, shrimp and grits, tea rubbed smoked salmon, roasted leeks, and candied bacon.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Making Sweet Tea

Is tap water okay for making traditional Southern sweet tea?

Absolutely! I start with tap water as the source for the boiling water I use for steeping.

Is it okay to use green tea?

While Southern sweet tea traditionally uses black tea for its robust flavor, you can indeed experiment with using green tea to make a variation of sweet iced tea. However if you plan on serving a true Southerner skip the green tea. Otherwise be prepared to be clowd a ridiculous amount. Keep in mind that green tea has a milder and more delicate flavor compared to black tea, so the final result will be a lighter and less robust beverage. Here's a simple guide to making Southern sweet iced tea with green tea:

Where can I find Piloncillo?

Piloncillo is sold in most grocery stores. I find it in the spice aisle at my grocery store, but some formats may have it in the international or Mexican food section.

For other beverage recipes try these:

Cucumber Melon Soda

Summer Beer Shandy

Red Wine Sangria

Kombucha Tom Collins

Make This Southern Style Sweet Tea Recipe

As we wrap up this sweet tea symphony, let the lingering notes of nostalgia and the smooth vibes of a New Jack Swing guide you to the final sip of our Southern sweet tea extravaganza. Sweetened with the golden richness of piloncillo and kissed by the brightness of fresh lemon, each glass is a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation.

Picture yourself on that porch swing, swaying to the rhythm of a bygone era, a glass of this sweet elixir in hand. This isn't just a drink; it's a sip of Southern culture, a melody that resonates with the warmth of hospitality and the cool breeze of a lazy afternoon. So, let the music play on, and may your memories be as sweet as the final drops of this Southern sweet tea with a twist. Cheers to the timeless fusion of flavors and the everlasting groove of New Jack Swing!

This tea recipe is perfect for summer get-togethers or any day you're craving something icy cold and sweet. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make this delicious drink in no time at all. So why not give it a try? You might just be surprised at how good it is!

If you make this delicious Southern sweet iced tea recipe feel tree to make adjustments to your needs. Also, please come back and leave me a comment below with your feedback. Definitely take a photo of the dish and be sure to tag #foodfidelity so that I can see them.

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