Sweeter Side: How To Sweeten Iced Tea
Two weeks into June (National Iced Tea Month), and we can’t get enough of this chilly treat. Last week, we shared a few basic tips about making the perfect glass of iced tea. So now it’s time to talk about the sweeter side.
From flavorful jars of honey, to pure rock sugar and sugar sticks, there are a variety of creative and delicious ways to sweeten your iced tea. We recommend these all-natural sweeteners instead of bleached white sugar, as it tends to mask the complexity of the drink. Our pure, all natural alternatives add just the touch of sweetness that still allows the tea’s flavor to shine through.
If you want to sweeten while the tea is still hot, then we recommend using honey or pure German Rock Sugar. Simply stir in a few spoonfuls of honey to taste, and watch the “sweet gold” (as we like to call it) dissolve into the steeped tea. Although one honey does not always fit all, which is why we recommend that you experiment with a variety of honeys. White Gold, known as the “world’s best tasting honey,” is creamy and slightly floral, but still maintains a mild flavor that won’t overpower the tea. Moana Hawaiian Honey is rich with floral flavor reminiscent of the delicious fruits of Waikane. Winter White Honey is known for it’s incredibly delicate taste.
Although if honey is not your cup of tea (yes, we couldn’t resist), then we suggest stirring in a few spoonfuls of pure German Rock Cane Sugar while the tea is still hot. Unlike processed white sugar, our pure, unprocessed German Rock Cane Sugar adds a gentle touch of sweetness to each sip. Quick tea party tip: Let your guests experience the sweetening step by placing a Rock Sugar stick (rock sugar crystals cleverly formed on wooden stirring stick) at each place setting. Pour the hot tea in their glass, let them stir in their preferred level of sweetness and just add ice. And if you’re feeling extra generous, let each guest leave with their own rock sugar stick to enjoy at home.
If you’re tea is already chilled, we recommend making a simple syrup with our rock sugar. The syrup is always a great option for a meal or party where sweetness preferences may vary. Just follow the simple recipe below:
German Rock Sugar Simple Syrup
Make the simple syrup by heating equal parts of both Rock Sugar and water on the stove top just until liquid comes to a boil and sugar has dissolved. Let cool. (Alternately, you can also use our PerfectTea Maker by combining equal parts sugar & boiling water, let dissolve and cool.) Pour into a pitcher and serve.
Take this simple syrup up a chilly notch and pour the naturally sweet syrup into ice cubes trays. When you’re ready to add a bit of sweetness to your iced tea, just pop in a few sweet cubes to add more chill and a bit of sweetness.
Enjoy National Iced Tea Month!
I disagree, here. I have always felt that honey is one of the worst things to sweeten tea. Everything ends up tasting like honey and you lose the characteristics of the tea itself.
I always make my own simple syrup when I know I’m going to be drinking lots of tea. Simple syrup is also best for iced tea because it doesn’t require heat to dissolve properly.