Let this recipe for 3-Step Bless Your Heart Sweet Tea bring a little Southern flair to your next summer party – with or without a splash of bourbon.
Over the years, I’ve developed a fondness for both bourbon and sweet tea. People have their opinions on what type of tea and bourbon is best. In this interpretation, I like to use Tazo’s Earl Grey tea, a pinch of baking soda and Wild Turkey Rare Breed Bourbon.
To be perfectly honest, I worked really hard to get this down to two steps for obvious reasons. I loved the alliteration (and pun) of a 2-Step tea recipe, but alas I just couldn’t make it work. Such are the trials and tribulations of a food blogger.
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Why do I need a pinch of baking soda?
We’ve all heard of Tannins – especially when it comes to wines – but what are they exactly?
Tannins are naturally-occurring, macromolecules found all throughout the plant world. Oxygen and hydrogen molecules form complex bonds that can produce an unpleasant color, taste or odor in food. There is a very complex, scientific explanation of what Tannins are exactly. I’m not your gal for that.
My oversimplified explanation is this: Tannins are a plant’s best attempt at self-preservation. When you pick, cut into or process certain seeds, vegetables and fruits, the plant is working to make itself less desirable – even downright unpalatable.
If you think about it, it’s really quite brilliant. You’re just sitting in a garden enjoying the sunshine, minding your own business, when someone comes along and tries to eat you. Honestly, I’d become a little bitter, too – especially if I thought it would prevent a future assault.
For our purposes here, Tannins are what give tea that harsh, bitter aftertaste you may be familiar with. In this recipe for Bless Your Heart Sweet Tea, the baking soda neutralizes the natural Tannins in the tea so you get a smoother flavor.
What is the right temperature for brewing tea?
What’s all this about a proper brewing temperature? You just bring the water to a boil and add the tea bags, right? Not exactly. Different teas require different temperatures for brewing. For example, green tea tastes best when brewed at 175 degrees F. Oolong is happiest when brewed at 195 degrees F. The ideal coffee brewing temperature is about 200 degrees F. And most black and herbal teas top out somewhere around 212 degrees F.
Too hot and you can get a bitter, scorched flavor. Too low, and your tea will not yield its full flavor. I have found the best temperature for brewing Earl Grey tea is 208 degrees. Full flavor, with no bitter aftertaste.
What can I serve with 3-Step Bless Your Heart Sweet Tea?
Honestly, it’s good for just sipping on a hot summer day. But, if you’re looking for a full Southern menu, start with a little Balsamic BBQ Pork or a side of Mac n Cheese or Greens. And a gluten free jalapeno cheddar corn muffin or two would be a tasty way to round out your meal. Your friends will be very happy. Just sayin’.
Let’s Get Social!
I hope you’ve enjoyed reading this post and recipe for sweet tea. If you’re looking for more delicious beverage recipes, please check out the Libations section of the blog. Here you’ll find a wide range of cocktail and mocktail recipes for your sipping enjoyment. Thank you again, for visiting the MOstly Bakes blog.
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Blessings & enjoy!
3-Step Bless Your Heart Sweet Tea
Course: LibationsCuisine: SouthernDifficulty: Easy8
servings20
minutes20
minutesThis delicious and slightly sassy sweet tea recipe is a keeper.
Ingredients
- For the Simple Syrup
1 cup cold water
1 cup granulated sugar
- For Brewing the Tea
4 cups cold water
5 Earl Grey tea bags
Pinch of baking soda
- For Finishing the Tea
1/4 cup fresh orange juice, strained
4 cups cold water
3/4 oz. Wild Turkey Rare Breed Bourbon – per cocktail
Ice
Orange slices for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Make the Simple Syrup
- In a medium size sauce pan, bring one cup of granulated sugar and one cup of water to the boil.
- Allow the mixture to boil for 3 -5 minutes until the sugar has completely dissolved. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely. Pour off into a measuring cup and set aside.
- Brew the Tea
- In the same saucepan used to make the simple syrup, bring four cups of cold water to 208 degrees F.
- Remove the water from the heat, add the tea bags and a pinch of baking soda. Allow to steep for 15 minutes. Remove the tea bags ( no need to squeeze them). Cool completely.
- Finish the Tea
- Once cooled, combine the simple syrup, brewed tea, orange juice and another 4 cups of cold water in a large pitcher. Chill in the refrigerator.
- For a booze-free beverage, the tea can be served well-chilled over ice as is; however, if you like a little fire now and then, add 3/4 oz. of bourbon to 3 oz. of tea in a glass over ice.
Notes
- 3-Step Bless Your Heart Sweet Tea can easily be made ahead for a party. I’ll often make up two batches – one labeled with “fire” so friends know which one has the bourbon.
