Sweet Iced Tea is one of the simplest yet most popular drinks around the world, especially in tropical countries like Indonesia. The combination of tea, sugar, and ice creates a refreshing drink, perfect for drinking on hot days. This drink has become a favorite choice because of its sweet, refreshing taste, and easy to make. This article will discuss more about the history, how to make, and benefits of Sweet Iced Tea.
A Brief History of Sweet Iced Tea
Sweet Iced Tea actually comes from a long-standing tea drinking tradition, especially in Asian countries such as China and Japan. However, its popularity is increasing in the United States, especially in the south, where the hot weather makes this drink very popular. In Indonesia itself, sweet iced tea drinks have become part of people’s daily lives and are widely sold in food stalls, restaurants, and modern cafes.
Over the years, Sweet Iced Tea has evolved and been adapted into many different styles. Some people add lemon, mint, or other ingredients to give it a twist, but the basics remain tea, sugar, and ice.
How to Make Simple Sweet Iced Tea
Making Sweet Iced Tea is very easy and does not require many ingredients. Here are the simple steps to make a delicious glass of Sweet Iced Tea:
Necessary Materials
- 1 tea bag (black tea or green tea)
- 2 tablespoons sugar (or to taste)
- 200 ml hot water
- Ice cubes as needed
- Lemon slices (optional)
- Mint leaves (optional)
Steps of Creation
- Steep the tea bag in 200 ml of hot water for 3-5 minutes, until the tea flavor is strong enough.
- Add sugar to the hot tea and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Once the tea has cooled, pour it into a glass filled with ice cubes.
- Add lemon slices or mint leaves if desired for extra fresh flavor.
- Sweet Iced Tea is ready to be enjoyed!
With these easy steps, you can enjoy a glass of Sweet Iced Tea anytime, anywhere.
Health Benefits of Tea
In addition to its delicious and refreshing taste, tea has various health benefits that make it a good choice of drink to consume. Here are some of the benefits you can get from drinking Sweet Iced Tea:
Contains Antioxidants
Tea, especially green tea, is rich in antioxidants that can help fight free radicals in the body. These antioxidants are important for maintaining healthy body cells and preventing premature aging.
Refreshing and Hydrating the Body
Drinking Sweet Iced Tea on a hot day helps restore body fluids lost through sweat. The water and ice content in this drink will keep the body hydrated.
Improve Concentration
The caffeine in tea can improve focus and concentration, although not as strong as coffee. This makes Sweet Iced Tea a good drink choice when you need a mid-day energy boost.
Sweet Iced Tea Variations to Try
If you want to add a little twist to the usual Sweet Iced Tea, there are a few additional ingredients you can try to put a new spin on this classic drink.
Sweet Iced Tea dengan Lemon
Adding lemon juice to Sweet Iced Tea gives it a refreshing sour taste. This is a very popular variation, especially for those who like a combination of sweet and sour flavors.
Sweet Iced Tea with Mint Leaves
Mint leaves give a unique fresh and slightly spicy taste. Adding mint leaves to drinks not only makes them fresher but also gives them a more attractive appearance.
Sweet Iced Tea with Honey
If you want a healthier alternative to sugar, you can replace it with honey. Honey provides a natural sweetness that also has health benefits such as helping to relieve coughs and boosting immunity.
Sweet Iced Tea is a simple yet refreshing drink, making it a favorite of many people around the world. With an easy way to make it and customizable ingredients, Sweet Iced Tea can be enjoyed anytime, whether at home or outside. In addition to its delicious taste, this drink also has health benefits that make it even more popular. So, try making your own Sweet Iced Tea at home and enjoy its freshness all day long!
