Sweet Tea Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a glass of Southern Sweet Tea on a hot summer day. The perfect balance of sweetness and refreshing flavor dances on your tongue, bringing back memories of family gatherings and lazy afternoons. refreshing bubble tea option Just the thought of it makes me want to grab my favorite porch swing and sip away the worries of the world. You might also enjoy this Brown Sugar Bubble Tea recipe.

I remember my grandmother brewing her famous Southern Sweet Tea in a big glass pitcher, her secret ingredient being just a pinch of love. Every time we gathered at her house, it was like an unofficial rite of passage to sweeten our souls with this delightful beverage. tropical mango bango drink Whether it was a picnic or a holiday gathering, Southern Sweet Tea never failed to steal the show.

Every time I serve this tea, friends rave about its refreshing taste and how it perfectly complements everything from fried chicken to peach cobbler. refreshing cucumber feta salad.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious drink: delicious coconut mochi cake. You might also enjoy this Coconut Mochi Cake recipe.

• Black Tea Bags: Use strong black tea bags like Lipton or Luzianne for that classic Southern flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar according to your taste preference.
• Water: Fresh, cold water enhances the tea’s flavor; use filtered water if possible.
• Fresh Lemon Slices: Adding lemon slices gives your tea an extra zing and freshness.
• Fresh Mint Leaves (optional): For an aromatic twist, add mint leaves for an invigorating flavor boost.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Boil the Water: Start by boiling 4 cups of fresh water in a large pot over medium heat until bubbles form vigorously. This part is crucial; you want that water screaming hot!

Add Tea Bags: Once boiling, remove from heat and toss in 4-6 black tea bags. Let them steep for about 5-7 minutes until you see that beautiful dark amber color developing.

Sweeten It Up: After steeping, carefully remove the tea bags and stir in 1 cup of granulated sugar while the tea is still warm. This ensures all those sweet crystals dissolve completely.

Cool It Down: Pour the sweetened tea into a pitcher and add 4 more cups of cold water to dilute it slightly. Stir well then let cool in the refrigerator for at least an hour.

Add Flavor Enhancements: Before serving, feel free to garnish with fresh lemon slices or mint leaves for added freshness. Trust me; this step will elevate your Southern Sweet Tea experience!

Enjoy your homemade Southern Sweet Tea chilled over ice with a slice of lemon on top! It’s perfect for family gatherings or that much needed “me-time” moment on the porch. Cheers!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by boiling water, steep the tea bags, and then add sugar while the tea is hot for complete dissolution. This method ensures you get that rich, sweet flavor throughout.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to experiment by adding fresh mint leaves or a splash of lemon juice for a unique twist. These additions enhance the flavor and give your sweet tea a refreshing vibe.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover sweet tea in the refrigerator for up to one week. If it needs refreshing, simply pour over ice and enjoy without reheating.

Sharing a glass of sweet tea at family gatherings always brings back fond memories of laughter and storytelling around the table, making it truly special.

FAQ

What type of tea is best for Southern Sweet Tea?

Use strong black teas like Lipton or Luzianne for authentic flavor.

Can I make Southern Sweet Tea without sugar?

Yes, you can use alternatives like honey or agave syrup for sweetness.

How can I make my Southern Sweet Tea less sweet?

Simply reduce the amount of sugar added during preparation to suit your taste.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Southern Sweet Tea

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Samuel Cullingham
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Southern Sweet Tea is the quintessential refreshment for warm summer days, offering a delightful blend of sweetness and a refreshing tea flavor. This simple yet flavorful beverage is perfect for gatherings, picnics, or just enjoying on the porch while reminiscing with loved ones. With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create this beloved Southern tradition that promises to quench your thirst and evoke fond memories.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups water
• 4–6 black tea bags (such as Lipton or Luzianne)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 4 cups ice-cold water
• Fresh lemon slices (optional)
• Fresh mint leaves (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Boil 4 cups of fresh water in a large pot until vigorously bubbling.
2. Remove from heat and steep 4-6 black tea bags for 5-7 minutes until dark amber.
3. Remove tea bags and stir in 1 cup of granulated sugar while the tea is still warm.
4. Pour the sweetened tea into a pitcher and add 4 cups of ice-cold water; stir well.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving.
6. Garnish with fresh lemon slices or mint leaves if desired.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Beverage
• Method: Brewing
• Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240 ml)
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 30g
• Sodium: 5mg
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 31g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg