How to Make Sweet Tea Syrup
Master the art of making homemade sweet tea syrup with this easy recipe to follow recipe. Learn to make this southern staple to serve at all your gatherings.
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Sweet tea is a beloved Southern classic that has the hearts and taste buds of many across the United States. With its refreshing combination of bold black tea and just the right amount of sweetness, this iconic beverage has become essential with warm summer days on front porches and family gatherings. In our house we enjoy sweet tea daily. Instead of having to keep gallons of sweet tea on hand in the refrigerator we have found it to be much easier and convenient to use flavored simple syrup for iced tea. It saves us so much time each week. If you are looking for a sweet tea simple syrup recipe you are in the right place!
You can use this exact method and recipe for many other teas just by swapping out the tea bags. So if you are needing to know how to make green tea concentrate or how to make tea concentrate of any flavor continue reading.
Equipment
- Pot
- Measuring cup
- Whisk
- Mason jar or airtight container
- Pitcher
Ingredients
- Water – I prefer to use water that has been filtered through our Berkey water filter but you can use whatever water you prefer.
- Black tea – You can use tea leaves or black tea bags.
- Sugar – I prefer to use organic cane sugar but you can use any granulated sugar you prefer.
Sweet Tea Syrup Recipe
How to Make Concentrated Tea
- In a pot add equal parts, 4 cup water and 4 cup sugar. Put it on high heat. Using a whisk continuously stir the sugar and water mixture until the water begins to boil.
- Once the sugar water mixture begins to boil remove the pot from the heat.
- Add one sleeve of tea bags or approximately 25. These are the small tea bags intended for a single cup of tea, not the big tea bags. If you are using big tea bags use approximately 4. Allow tea bags to steep atleast 30 minutes. I like to let them steep for about an hour for a stronger tea.
- Remove the tea bags and pour the tea syrup into an airtight container. I prefer to use a mason jar. Store in the refrigerator for 7-10 days.
How to Use Sweet Tea Syrup
It is important to know this is a syrup/concentrate. You will need approximately 1 cup of syrup to 2 quarts of water or 2 cups of syrup to 1 gallon of water. You can always add more syrup or less depending on how sweet you like your tea.
FAQs
How long does tea syrup last?
Homemade sweet tea syrup will last approximately 7-10 days if kept refrigerated.
How do you use iced tea syrup?
Tea syrup can be added to water for sweet tea, added to sparkling water, tea latte, or even cocktails and mocktails.
Does tea concentrate go bad?
Yes, at room temperature tea will begin to ferment after setting out for at least 24 hours. It MUST be refrigerated and used within 7-10 days.
What is tea syrup?
Tea syrup is a concentrate made from black tea made with sugar and water. It is usually diluted and used for drinking.
Can you put maple syrup in tea?
Yes! You can absolutely put maple syrup in tea. The natural sweetness of maple syrup makes it an excellent alternative for those looking to reduce their refined sugar intake while adding a touch of unique flavor to their beverages.
How much simple syrup per gallon?
With our homemade iced tea concentrate syrup we use about 2 cups of syrup per gallon of water. Making approximately 1 gallon of tea.
You can use this recipe if you are making tea concentrate of any flavor. Whether you like herbal tea, earl grey, or green tea syrup once you add the sugar and water add your preferred tea bags to get tea syrups. With this recipe you are essentially learning how to make sugar syrup for iced tea. It is not the same as simple syrup for tea but it is similar.
In conclusion, sweet tea is a beloved and refreshing beverage that has become an iconic staple in the southern United States. With its simple yet delicious combination of black tea, sugar, and water, this classic recipe offers a delightful balance of flavors that can be enjoyed year-round. Whether you prefer it served over ice on a hot summer day or as a comforting treat during the cooler months, sweet tea is sure to satisfy your cravings for something sweet and satisfying. So why not give this easy-to-make recipe a try? Your taste buds will thank you!
If you have any questions or comments feel free to leave them below!