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A community for anything tea (Camellia Sinensis) related. Rooibos, Yerba Mate and alike welcome!

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Suggestions for the best southern sweet tea? (lemdro.id)

submitted 3 weeks ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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I'm a southern man born and raised, and I run on sweet tea. Lately I've been experimenting with lowering the amount of sugar (or splenda) I make it with. What I've found is that I like the reduced sweetness, but tea bags are so low quality and bitter that I need the sugar to cover it up. Cold brewing and adding a pinch of baking soda help a lot, but I still want more. I think a higher quality tea is going to get me the flavor I'm looking for. So, any suggestions on any part of the process are welcome! What teas to try, brewing methods, etc. Less caffeine is better, I have a lot of heart failure in my family history so I try to minimize caffeine intake.

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[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 weeks ago (1 children)

I usually use Luzianne or Lipton, but I had good results with one — and it kills me to say it was a Shark Tank product — called Y’all Sweet Tea. They sell unsweetened (and flavored) bags in caffeinated and decaf, and I remember the brewing instructions were really specific. I drink a lot of unsweetened, and was pretty impressed with how it came out. Caveat: it’s direct-order only, and it’s pricey.

Another, if you can find it from a restaurant supplier, is called Paradise Tea. Not sure if it comes in decaf. It’s unsweetened and has a tropical flavor that you may not even want to throw sugar on. Bags are presized for gallon brewing.

Lastly, if you like mint, Republic of Tea makes a loose-leaf Moroccan mint (green, less caffeine) that’s great for cold brewing. I usually cut it to 1/4c and add 1/2c other brand loose-leaf Moroccan mint for the measurement to save on cost while maintaining a strong enough mint flavor (most brands are really weak).

Happy brewing!

[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 weeks ago

I've heard of Y'all, if memory serves it was actually founded not too far from where I grew up. I was wondering if it's actually decent or just marketing hype. Maybe I'll get a bag and see if the flavor justifies the price. I go through the stuff like water though, so it may end up being too much regardless.