It's National Iced Tea Month and nothing is more refreshing on a hot day than a glass of iced tea. Known as the The Champagne of the South, The Table Wine of the South, and The Beverage of Hospitality, enjoying a glass of iced tea is one of the most relaxing things that you can do. It slows you down from your hectic pace and gives you a chance to take a deep breath and relax.
Please remember that even in the South, iced tea is only served at informal meals and at Afternoon Tea, NOT at a formal meal. Note: There is no iced tea goblet in a formal dinner setting.
Properly served, iced tea is served in a tall glass with a doily, a saucer (bread plate), and an iced teaspoon. Many savvy Southern brides include iced teaspoons and crystal iced tea goblets on their Bridal Registry.
If the spoon is used to stir your tea after adding sugar, the teaspoon is placed on an iced teaspoon rest, as shown below...
If there is no spoon rest provided, the spoon should remain in the glass at all times. Keep the long iced teaspoon in your glass after you stir with the handle toward the far side by the index finger and with the remaining 3 fingers and thumb of the hand, hold the glass while you drink. It is quite easy to drink your tea and hold the teaspoon in the glass, and if you practice it, you will be able to handle it with grace! Remember that once used, a utensil is never placed back on the table.
Sugar and lemon are both offered with iced tea. Add sugar first, otherwise the citric acid of the lemon prevents the sugar from dissolving. You may place the lemon slice/wedge directly into the poured glass of tea, but it is not necessary to press the lemon.
What to do with a sweetener packet? Use the sweetener packet and tuck the empty packet discreetly under the edge of your saucer/dinner plate.
In the South, your iced tea goblet may be adorned with a pretty doily bonnet...I've had my bonnets for many years and they are great to use outdoors!
Remember your Teas and Q's:
~Swallow your food before you sip your tea.
~Don't slurp your tea...sip!
~Don't place your iced teaspoon directly onto the table after you have used it, place it onto the iced teaspoon rest, or leave it in the glass.
~It's "iced tea" not ice tea.
~Look into the glass of tea while you are sippin', not over it.
~Stir the tea liquid gently with the iced teaspoon.
