Blackberry Sweet Tea

It came to my attention recently that I have not posted how to make the perfect Southern Sweet Tea, which seems to be quite terrible considering "Sweet Tea" is part of my blog title. In my opinion, there is no such thing at too much sugar in my tea. I like it nice and sweet {which is the only way to drink it}. It is key not to let your tea bags steep too long or it will leave your tea bitter. Lipton is my brand of choice, but everyone has their own personal preference.

Southern Sweet Tea

3 cups water

2 family-size tea bags

3/4 cup sugar

7 cups cold water

1. Bring 3 cups cold water to a boil in a saucepan; add tea bags. Boil 1 minute; remove from heat. Cover and steep 10 minutes.

2. Discard tea bags. Add sugar, stirring until dissolved. Pour into a 1 gallon container and add 7 cups of cold water. Serve over ice.

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There are many different variations of tea, blackberry being on of my favorites. This recipe is absolute perfection!

Blackberry Sweet Tea

3 cups fresh blackberries

1 1/4 cups sugar

1 Tbsp. chopped fresh mint

pinch of baking soda

4 cups boiling water

2 family-size tea bags

2 1/2 cups cold water

1. Combine blackberries and sugar in a large container; crush with a wooden spoon; stir in mint and baking soda.

2. Pour 4 cups boiling water over tea bags; cover and steep 5 minutes. Discard tea bags.

3. Pour tea over blackberry mixture; let stand at room temperature 1 hour. Pour tea through a wire-mesh strainer into a large pitcher, discarding solids. Add 2 1/2 cups cold water, stirring until sugar dissolves. Cover and chill 1 hour. Garnish, if desired, with blackberries or mint.