Virginia Sweet Tea with Mint

Foodgawker #27109
TasteSpotting #45404
It's time for tea, sweet tea that is!


Boiling the sugar and water together will result in crystal clear tea - no sugar floating around in the glass either. Start by bringing 8 cups of water and 1 cup of sugar to a full boil.


Turn off the heat and add 8 tea bags - I prefer Luzianne, but you can use your favorite brand.
(I tie the strings together so the tags don't float around in the tea - makes removal easy too)
Steep for 20-30 minutes.


Remove tea bags and gently squeeze to get all that yummy goodness out of them. Add 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda - yes baking soda. It will eliminate any acidic bitterness and you'll never know it's in there. Add 8 large mint leaves (I like Spearmint); stir well. Pour over ice and serve - equal parts tea to ice.

Enjoy!

Sweet Tea
Makes 1 gallon

8 cups water
1 cup sugar
8 tea bags
5-6 mint leaves
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
8 cups ice
Additional mint leaves for garnish

Bring water and sugar to a full boil. Remove from heat and add tea bags. Steep for 20-30 minutes. Add mint leaves and baking soda; stir well. Pour tea over ice and enjoy.