Sweet Tea

Sweet tea, is as southern as it gets - no ifs, ands, or buts about it. The amount of sugar is debatable but the absolute minimum is one and a half cups to two quarts of tea. For those Southerners not 'flicted with the sugah diabetes, three cups are the standard. Sweet tea is best served mid morning to late afternoon in order to benefit from all of its caffeine/sugar boosts of energy.

2 cups sugar
1/2 gallon water
1 tray ice cubes
3 family sized teabags
3 cups cold water, or as needed

Pour the sugar into a large pitcher. Bring water to a boil in a large pan. When the water begins to boil, remove from the heat, and place the teabags in. Let steep for 5 to 6 minutes.

Remove tea bags, and return tea to the heat. Bring just to a boil, then pour into the pitcher, and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Fill the pitcher half way with ice, and stir until most of it melts. Then fill the pitcher the rest of the way with cold water, and stir until blended.

A pinch baking soda (about 1/4 teaspoon) takes out the bitterness and darkens the tea. This small amount doesnt change the taste.