The Powdered Pantry Staple That Gives Iced Tea A Smoother Sip

There's something special about a refreshing glass of iced tea on a hot day, but even the most experienced tea brewers who know how to brew tea without ruining it know that bitterness can sneak into an otherwise perfect sip. Whether the bitterness comes from steeping the tea too long or using water that's too hot, the result is often a harsh taste that no amount of sugar or honey can fix.

That said, iced tea is not something to be thrown out, especially in the South. Thankfully, there's a surprising key to achieving a smooth, balanced, exceptional tea, and it might already be sitting in your pantry. The common household staple baking soda works like magic by neutralizing bitterness, resulting in a much smoother drink (but no, you can't substitute it for baking powder in this context). But how exactly does it work, and how can you use it to elevate your tea game? Let's dive into this easy, game-changing tip. 

Baking soda's ability to transform tea lies in its chemical properties. When tea is brewed, tannins — natural compounds that cause the bitterness that can overwhelm tea if you're not careful — are released. Adding a pinch of baking soda to your tea acts as a neutralizer, reducing the tannic acidity and softening the overall flavor. This trick is particularly popular in Southern-style sweet tea recipes, where maintaining the smoothness is essential to balancing the sugar content.

Using this trick is easy, just stir ⅛ teaspoon of baking soda for every 4 cups of water while the tea is hot or as it begins to cool. At this ratio, the slight saltiness of baking soda is balanced by the other flavors in tea, but be careful not to add too much or you'll have salty tea. This method not only enhances the tea's flavor but also reduces cloudiness, giving it a clearer, more appealing appearance.

While baking soda works wonders for black tea, try experimenting with green, herbal, and rooibos teas, especially those prone to bitterness, like hibiscus. You can also adjust the amount of sugar or honey in sweet tea recipes, as the smoother taste often requires less sweetener to balance the flavors.