Unlocking The Secret Of Mcalister's Tea Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 family-size tea bags or 3-4 regular tea bags preferably a blend of orange pekoe and pekoe-cut black tea
- 8 cups of water
- 1 – 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar adjust to taste
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slices and mint leaves for garnishing optional
Instructions
Boil The Water
- Begin by boiling 4 cups of water in a large saucepan. The key to releasing the full flavor of the tea is to start with water that’s just off the boil.
Steep The Tea
- Once the water reaches a rolling boil, remove it from the heat and add the tea bags. Cover and let the tea steep for about 8-10 minutes. This steeping time allows the tea to develop its full flavor and rich color.
Remove Tea Bags And Add Sugar
- After steeping, remove the tea bags without squeezing them, as this can release bitterness.
- Stir in the sugar while the tea is still hot, ensuring it dissolves completely for that smooth sweet taste McAlister’s is known for.
Dilute And Chill
- Add the remaining 4 cups of cold water to the concentrated tea. Transfer the tea to a pitcher and refrigerate until it’s completely chilled. This not only cools the tea but also helps to further meld the flavors together.
Serve
- To serve, fill glasses with ice cubes, pour the chilled tea over the ice, and garnish with a slice of lemon or a sprig of mint if desired.
- Enjoy the refreshing taste of McAlister’s Tea at home, perfect for hot summer days or any time you crave a sweet, cooling drink.