How to Make Sweet Tea in the Microwave

Sweet tea is a southern tradition that has gained popularity across the US as a refreshing beverage. It is especially a summertime neccessity and no southern picnic is complete without a chilled pitcher of sweet tea. Here is a simple, quick method of brewing sweet tea using a microwave rather than a stove-top or tea maker. So use this 4 minute technique, get out the ice cubes, slice some lemon, prop up your feet, and drink up!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 3-6 tea bags depending on how strong of flavor you enjoy (preferrably brands made for sweet tea like Lipton or Luzianne)
• Sugar-a few tablespoons to a cup, again depending on your preference
• Source of cold water
• Long handled spoon for stirring
• Glass or plastic pitcher
• Microwave safe container for brewing (Mason jars work perfectly)

1. Begin by putting about 2-3 cups of water in your microwave-safe container. Then unwrap and tie tea bags together in a not. Typically 4-5 tea bags are the ideal amount of flavor for a gallon of tea, however, you can increase or decrease that amount based on your own preference. Leave the strings of the bags overhanging the rim of your container to make for easier removal later.

2. Cover the container with a paper towel (so as not to make a mess in your microwave). Set the microwave for about 3 minuntes 30 seconds. Some adjustments on time may be needed based on variations in each microwave. The goal is simply to get the water to boil to release the flavor in the tea bags. Make sure not to overboil as this may cause the tea bags to bust and leak tea grains into the tea.

3. 

   As mixture is brewing, get out your pitcher, sugar and spoon. Pour your desired amount of sugar into the pitcher. Typically, a little less than a quarter of a cup is a great flavor, but use your own tastes.

4. After your microwave has shut off, CAREFULLY remove the mixture. Now, grap the tea bag strings that are hanging over the rim and remove the bags. Use the spoon to press any excess tea out of the bags and then carefully discard of them (they will still be hot so be cautious). Next, pour the contents of the container into the pitcher with the sugar. Instantly the sugar should melt, but stir with the spoon to acheive more even distribution.

5. The final step is to add cold water to the mixture you've made to dilute it. Using chilled water, fill to about 1 gallon. Stir again.
   
   Now sit back and enjoy!!

Tips & Warnings

• If you'd rather, you can wait to add sugar to each individual serving rather than the entire gallon.
• Sweet tea is usually most enjoyed when served very chilled, in a tall glass over ice, and is sometimes garnished with lemon.
• Be careful when removing tea from the microwave after brewing. Both the fluid and the container will be very hot.