Earl Grey Sweet Tea Recipe

After water, it is said that tea is the "most widely-consumed beverage in the world." There are almost endless varieties of tea that have been prepared and enjoyed worldwide for many centuries. With many teas holding deep cultural significance, as well as a plethora of health benefits, it no wonder that this beverage is so popular. 

For almost as long as people have been drinking tea, they've been adding spices, sweeteners, and other ingredients to change and improve the experience. Sweet tea was popularized in 19th century America, although it's exact birthplace is hotly contested. A simple mixture of teabags, lemons, and sweetener, iced tea quickly became popular as a delicious and refreshing drink, and now accounts for roughly 75% to 80% of tea consumed in the United States (via Tea Association).

This recipe for sweet tea created by recipe developer Jennine Rye uses Earl Grey tea as its flavor base. Due to the role that tea plays in this classic beverage, the type of teabag you use can really make a difference. Named after Prime Minister Charles Grey, Earl Grey tea contains bergamot extract, which adds a delightful citrus flavor to the drink, and is often served with slices of lemon (via Cup of Tea). When used in sweet iced tea, the flavor of Earl Grey pairs beautifully with the lemon and mint, creating a simple, sweet, and citrusy homemade beverage that everyone will love.

To make this Earl Grey sweet tea recipe, you will need to gather the ingredients. You will need Earl Grey teabags, a lemon, granulated sugar, and fresh mint. Optional ingredients for serving the drink are lemon slices, and a pinch of baking soda. Some people swear that adding a pinch of baking soda to sweet tea is supposed to help give it a clear appearance, and reduce any potential bitterness in the drink. 

To begin, you will need to cut up the lemon into slices or small segments. Add the chopped lemon to a large, heatproof jug, along with the Earl Grey teabags, and the granulated sugar. Using a kettle, or a saucepan on the stovetop, heat up 2 pints of water until it is boiling. Once the water has reached temperature, pour it into the heatproof jug over the lemon and the teabags. Stir the tea to mix in the sugar, and then allow the lemon and the teabags to infuse for 10 minutes.

Once 10 minutes have passed, use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove the teabags and the lemon slices from the hot water. You don't want to let the tea stew for too long, or else it will become bitter and unpleasant to drink. Then, it is simply a matter of allowing the drink to cool to room temperature, and then placing it into the fridge for at least 1 hour to chill. Serve the sweet tea cold, with a sprig of fresh mint, a handful of ice cubes, and a few slices of lemon to make it extra refreshing. This homemade Earl Grey sweet tea is best enjoyed within 2 days, and should be stored in the fridge.