Sweet Tea?? OT I guess...

1 ounce vodka
1 ounce tequila
1 ounce light rum
1 ounce triple sec
1 ounce gin
1/2 ounce lemon juice
1/2 ounce coke
1 teaspoon fine sugar (if you want it sweet)

Mike, 

Here's my method.  

I use 3 family sized Lipton tea bags.  

I take a 2 qt. pot, fill with filtered water.  I place this on the burner and turn to about med low heat.  I use my Thermapen to ensure the temp does not go very high, I like to keep it around 110-120°.  I place my teabags in and let steep for at least 10 mins.  I really like longer (up to an hour or so).  Many times, I'll just take it off the heat at this point.  If you boil the water it will give a bitter taste.  

Then, in a pitcher, pour in 1.5-2 cups Dixie Crystal sugar.  I like to pour a little water in there to help dissolve.  Pour your tea mixture in.  Fill your pot again with water to "ring" out the tea bag, being careful not to puncture.  Then pour that into your pitcher.  

Mix well and serve over ice.  

The key is not getting your water too hot with the bags in there as well as the steep.  I have forgot my steep water/bag combo on the stove for hours, and then made the tea, and I feel it was better.  

I have been on the quest for true southern tea. Unfortunately I can't get some of the brands listed here. I had the luxury of having my elf send me some Luzianne tea. I didn't really care for it. I now have a blend of 3 teas I use to make our favorite. 

Living in Canada Amazon.com costs waaaay too much to ship up north. 

tarheelmatt said:

Mike, 

Here's my method.  

I use 3 family sized Lipton tea bags.  

I take a 2 qt. pot, fill with filtered water.  I place this on the burner and turn to about med low heat.  I use my Thermapen to ensure the temp does not go very high, I like to keep it around 110-120°.  I place my teabags in and let steep for at least 10 mins.  I really like longer (up to an hour or so).  Many times, I'll just take it off the heat at this point.  If you boil the water it will give a bitter taste.  

Then, in a pitcher, pour in 1.5-2 cups Dixie Crystal sugar.  I like to pour a little water in there to help dissolve.  Pour your tea mixture in.  Fill your pot again with water to "ring" out the tea bag, being careful not to puncture.  Then pour that into your pitcher.  

Mix well and serve over ice.  

The key is not getting your water too hot with the bags in there as well as the steep.  I have forgot my steep water/bag combo on the stove for hours, and then made the tea, and I feel it was better.  

Another way to keep your tea from getting bitter is adding a pinch of baking soda. It neutralizes tannins and also helps with clarity.

fishlessman said:

tried my best now ask about hush puppies, never seen them either

Hush puppies deserves it's own thread.......you should go there.