Making a Sweet Southern tea is all about two things: strength and sweetness. Since Stash’s Peach Black Tea is already wonderfully fragrant, we’re going to amplify those fruit notes without losing the classic Southern vibe.
Here is how to make a perfect half-gallon pitcher.
The Southern Peach Secret
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Steep time: 5–7 minutes
- Yield: 2 quarts (64 oz)
Ingredients
- 6 Stash Peach Black Tea bags (use 8 if you like it extra strong)
- 4 cups boiling water
- 4 cups cold water (plus ice for serving)
- ¾ to 1 cup granulated sugar (adjust to your preferred sweetness)
- Optional: A couple teaspoons fresh lemon juice for balance
- Fresh garnish: Peach slices and mint sprigs
Instructions
1. The Concentrate
Bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Remove from heat and drop in your Stash tea bags.
2. The Steep
Let the tea steep for 5 to 7 minutes. Don't leave them in forever, or the tea will get tannic (that dry, puckery feeling). Squeeze the bags gently against the side of the pot before removing them to get every bit of peach essence.
3. The "Sweet" in Sweet Tea
While the tea is still hot, add your sugar. Stir until it is completely dissolved.
- Note: Adding sugar to cold tea is a Southern cardinal sin—it won't dissolve properly!
4. The Chill
Pour your hot concentrate into a large pitcher. Add the 4 cups of cold water to bring it to room temperature. Stir well and refrigerate until chilled.
Tips for the Perfect Glass
-
Don't Dilute: Always pour the chilled tea over fresh ice. If you pour hot tea over ice, it melts too fast and waters down that beautiful Stash peach flavor.
-
Muddled Peaches: For a gourmet twist, muddle two fresh peach slices at the bottom of your glass before pouring the tea.
- Storage: Real Southern tea is best consumed within 24–48 hours. After that, the flavor starts to lose its brightness.
