Country Tea
A refreshing sweet tea with a hint of lemon, perfect for hot days and gatherings, blending classic flavors with a simple, easy-to-make process.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring 1 pint of water to boil in a pan.
- Add the tea bags to the boiling water and turn off the stove. Let steep, covered, for 8 to 10 minutes.
- Put the sugar in a pitcher.
- Pour the steeped tea into the pitcher and stir until the sugar is dissolved.
- Add 9 cups of water to the pitcher and stir.
- Pour the tea over ice, add lemon, and enjoy.
Tips & Substitutions
For a sweeter tea, adjust the sugar to your taste; consider using honey or agave syrup as alternatives. If you prefer a stronger flavor, allow the tea bags to steep longer than 10 minutes. For a refreshing twist, add fresh mint leaves or slices of citrus fruit. You can also experiment with flavored tea bags to create unique variations. This recipe pairs beautifully with Candy Covered Nuts.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this refreshing country tea over ice, garnished with lemon slices for a zesty touch. It complements summer picnics and barbecues beautifully. Pair it with light snacks like Sesame Crackers or a hearty dish like Annie Mary'S Chow Chow for a delightful meal. Enjoy it as a cooling drink on hot days or as a sweet treat at gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover tea in an airtight pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, avoiding a boil to preserve flavor. If the tea loses its sweetness, you can add a bit more sugar to taste before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Country Tea contains roughly 324 calories, with 1g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (34% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use loose leaf tea instead of tea bags?
Yes, you can use loose leaf tea. For this recipe, use about 2 tablespoons of loose tea per pint of water. Steep it in a tea infuser or strain it before serving to remove the leaves.
Is it possible to make this tea without sugar?
Absolutely! You can omit the sugar entirely for a no-calorie option or use a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol to sweeten it without added calories. Adjust to your taste.
Can I add other flavors to the tea?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with flavors by adding herbs like mint or basil, or spices such as cinnamon or ginger while the tea steeps. This will create a unique and fragrant drink.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).