3 Tips for Practically Perfect Tea

Southerners have always taken our iced tea seriously. For #NationalIcedTeaDay, we've gathered a few of our favorite vintage iced tea spoons and glass sets.

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Now, about that tea....

​Most of us like it sweet (Sherri's a sweet tea girl), but lately, health-conscious Southerners have started cutting back on the sugar in our beloved drink. Now  half-sweet or unsweet tea has become slightly more acceptable (or at least less suspicious.) Terry grew up in the Midwest and prefers her tea plain (or unsweet, in Southern parlance.) As we celebrate #NationalIcedTeaDay, we ask, "How do you take (and make) your tea?"


​Iced tea is the year-round beverage of choice in the South, and no self-respecting Southern household or restaurant is ever without it. But making really good iced tea is no accident.  Start with good quality tea and soft water for best results. Here are a few tips to take your tea to the next level:

1. Add a pinch of baking soda when you put the loose tea or tea bags in the water, especially if you have hard water.
2. Want a natural sweetener? Fruit can be a delicious addition to fresh, cooled tea. Watermelon is a good choice; so is peach and apricot when they're in season. Fresh fruit juice or lemonade can also jazz up your iced tea - Arnold Palmer, anyone?
3. Timing is everything - for the best, freshest tea, don't boil your tea leaves and don't let your tea steep too long. Add sugar to your (glass) pitcher and pour the still-hot tea over it. Let your tea cool before you refrigerate it, and don't make more than you'll drink in a day.

No matter how you drink it, enjoy #NationalIcedTeaDay today and if you're so inclined, raise your glass in a toast to celebrate the day.

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