My Mom has this fabulous tea pitcher, she’s had it for as long as I can remember. I wish I had a picture of it, it is so cool. One of the reasons it is so cool, is that it holds a lot of tea. I would say a gallon, at least.
I have searched for a tea pitcher like hers for several years now, to no avail. I’ve only been able to find half gallon pitchers. And yes, they are easier to handle for pouring and whatnot, but a half gallon doesn’t go very far when you have a crowd of people over.
So, here is yet another “Trick of the Trade” from The Frazzled Mama.
First of all, pay no attention to my spotted window. Thank you.
See, each of these mason jars of tea concentrate will make a half gallon of tea. I add 2/3 cup of sugar, and 1 family size tea bag to each jar. Then, I fill the mason jar with hot water. Put the lid on and shake gently. Then, let them sit until you are ready to use them. When you are ready, pour the tea concentrate into your pitcher, and then top the pitcher off with water.
This way, you have tea ready, without needing tons of pitchers.
And any refined southern lady knows you have to have sweet tea for you guests. ;)
You were a lifesaver! I used your mason jar/tea concentrate idea for my daughters graduation party -worked like a charm. I think I used 6 regular size tea bags per jar (no sugar – we’re in California – nuf said ;-) I dumped a jar into a large pitcher and topped off with water and it was still concentrated enough not to get all watered down once the it was poured over ice.
We had a 3 family graduation party and I had to transport the tea to the party destination – put the jars in a cooler with ice. You can count on a mason jar not to leak -yeah!
I thought I had made way too much, but ended up with on a jar or two leftover – lucky me! They still tasted “fresh brewed” after a couple of days. I’m going to make tea like this on a smaller scale on a regular basis (iced tea is year round beverage in my book)
Jo, I’m so glad I could help! It’s a handy trick to have, isn’t it?
Are you using a quart mason jar and 1 tea bag per jar? So, one jar of concentrate is added to 1/2 gallon of cold water? Will be making lots for a wedding this summer so need an easy way to prepare iced tea ahead and transport it. Thanks!
Yes, a quart size mason jar. The tea bags I was using were the family size, which I would estimate equal 2 regular size. Thanks for stopping by!
How long did you let the tea bag steep? Then did it go in the refrigerator? Thanks! I am having a wedding out of town and want to make these up 2 days ahead of time.
I usually let the tea bags steep until the water has cooled down to nearly room temp. Then, yes I put them in the fridge if I am not using them the same day. Hope this helps!!!
Are you using boiling water or hot tap water?
I’ve done it both ways with good results.
I need to make sweet tea for my daughter’s wedding…166 people. I am also serving lemonade. I’m thinking 10-15 gallons of tea. I like the idea of using the quart jars and making concentrate. I typically use 4 family size tea bags for a gallon pitcher. I’m guessing that would mean that I would use 4 tea bags in a quart then add 3 quarts of water. Is that correct?
I’ve never tried such a strong concentration, but I don’t see why it wouldn’t work. Maybe try using the half gallon mason jars…
Quick question… what would your formula be for half gallon jars?I need to make 5 gallons of tea and also have another 5 gallon back up for graduation party. Thanks!
Well, this was for quart jars, so I would say double it for half gallon. :)