06/08/2026
Summertime, Sweet Tea and The Mason-Dixon Line
Being born and raised in Maryland, just a few miles from the Mason-Dixon line means I can claim a little bit of "Southern" because my heritage always included Sweet Tea! A cold glass of tea was always the first thing we offered to a guest in our home. A staple in our fridges, porches, and outings! A good restaurant in the South is often judged by 3 things: sweet tea, white bread and slaw! It was the same in my neck of the woods. So, for all you porch-sipping iced tea lovers, here is the true, handed down recipe for authentic Sweet Tea:
Use Luzianne or Red Rose Tea Bags-6 bags for 2 quarts-place tea bags in a pot of water and bring just to the boil. Turn off cover and let steep for several hours. Squeeze tea bags of all liquid and to extract all the flavor and pour into a cold pitcher. (the true test of a queen iced tea maker is the ability to wring out those tea bags. )
Make a simple syrup by bringing 1 cup sugar and water to a boil. Turn off the stove and stir till sugar dissolves. Pour syrup into pitcher and add lemon and mint if desired. Serve over fresh ice and sip slowly and thoughtfully in your favorite porch chair!
Having said all of that, The Tea Tutor still recommends her cold brews packs for ease, taste and economy! You can get a variety of summer flavors this week at The Carlisle Antique Mall, Wed-Sun-10-6. Whatever the choice, just enjoy iced tea in a quiet place today! Here's to Summer!
