This southern Sweet Tea recipe is just the thing to enjoy this summer. Follow my simple recipe to make this delicious and refreshing sweet tea for yourself and guests.
If you love a cold drink on a hot day, then you should try this Brown Sugar Boba or this Mango Smoothie.
Table Of Contents
Recipe Details
If you think Sweet Tea is just sugar mixed into iced tea, then this recipe will set your straight. This refreshing beverage is a southern staple and I’ll show you how to make it just right. Once you’ve had real sweet tea, you won’t want to go back!
- TASTE: This drink is sweet with an intense, malty flavor that it gets from the black tea.
- TEXTURE: The granulated sugar is melted so this tea is perfectly smooth.
- TIME: It will only take 5 minutes to make.
- EASE: This recipe is quick and easy with just 3 sweet tea ingredients. You can also make it ahead of time and keep it in the fridge.
What You’ll Need
Ingredient Notes
- Black tea- Use a good-quality black tea, or one that is specifically made for iced tea, such as Lipton, Tetley, or Red Diamond.
- Sugar- Granulated white sugar is what we will use to sweeten this tea.
Add-ins and Substitutions
- Add fruit- Soak lemon slices (or lemon juice), peach slices, or raspberries in the sweet tea to infuse fruity flavor into this drink.
- Substitute artificial sweetener- If you are diabetic, you can use artificial sweetener in place of the sugar. It has a slightly different taste though.
- Add mint- Mint leaves in the sweet tea will give it a refreshing minty flavor that is perfect for hot days.
- Substitute honey- If you are avoiding refined sugar, you can use honey in place of the sugar. It will give the tea a slightly altered taste, but still perfectly sweet.
How to Make Sweet Tea
- Steep the tea. Bring 2 cups of filtered water to a boil and steep 3-4 black tea bags in it for about 8-10 minutes.
- Add the sugar. Squeeze out the tea bags and then throw them away. Stir in the granulated sugar and mix until it is fully dissolved.
Pro Tip: Press the tea bags against the side of the measuring cup, squeezing out as much tea and flavor as possible. You can also use a spoon to press them.
- Add cold water. Now pour in the cold filtered water and stir, then transfer to a pitcher. Serve the iced tea over ice cubes and garnish with lemons and mint (optional).
Recipe Tips
- Adjust the strength of the tea- If you like your tea light, stick to 3 bags. If you prefer it stronger, use 4-5 tea bags.
- Don’t rush the steeping- When steeping your tea, don’t rush the process. Doing this gets out as much flavor as possible from the tea bags.
- Steep the tea when the water is off the heat- To avoid burning your tea, take the boiling water off the heat and then add the tea bags to steep.
- Add baking soda- If you plan on making this sweet tea and storing it in the fridge for a few days, add a pinch of baking soda to keep it from becoming bitter.
FAQs
If you want to make a big batch of sweet tea, you will need about 8-10 tea bags. But if you like it strong, then use 12-15 tea bags for extra flavor. Store your sweet tea in a gallon pitcher in the fridge before serving over ice.
While not everyone agrees with adding baking soda, its purpose is to clear up the cloudiness that comes from mixing the ingredients and to also limit the bitterness that comes from the tea sitting. This is especially helpful if you’ve made a big batch and want to store it in the fridge.
Serving Suggestions
This is the best Sweet Tea and is the perfect accompaniment to any meal. Serve it with lunch, barbecue, or with desserts for a delicious combination.
- Sandwiches: Enjoy it with a Brisket Sandwich, Classic BLT Sandwich, Grilled Cheese Sandwich, or Caprese Sandwich.
- Salads: Serve this Sweet Tea with a Couscous Arugula Salad, Broccoli Salad With Bacon and Cheese, Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad, or Spinach Salad.
- Barbecue/Smoked meats: Pair this drink with Barbecue Pork Ribs, Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs, Smoked Beef Brisket, or BBQ Chicken Wings.
- Desserts: Enjoy it with a slice of Berry Chantilly Cake, No Churn Ice Cream, Vanilla Macarons, or Pecan Shortbread Cookies.
Make This Recipe in Advance
Make ahead: You can prepare this sweet tea ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Serve it over ice when you’re ready.
Storing: Store this Sweet Tea in a pitcher or lidded container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Add this sweet tea to an ice cube tray and freeze. Once frozen, place the tea cubes in a freezer ziplock bag for up to 3 months.
More Refreshing Drinks!
Full Recipe Instructions
Sweet Tea Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 10 cups filtered water divided
- 4 premium black tea bags
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Bring 2 cups of filtered water to a boil and steep 3-4 black tea bags in it for about 8-10 minutes. If you like your tea light, stick to 3 bags. If you prefer it stronger, use 4-5 tea bags.
- Remove the tea bags and squeeze out as much flavor before throwing them away. Then stir in 1 cup of granulated sugar. Mix until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Now stir in 8 cups of cold filtered water, then transfer to a pitcher. Serve the iced tea over some ice and garnish with lemons and mint (optional).
Notes
- Adjust the strength of the tea- If you like your tea light, stick to 3 bags. If you prefer it stronger, use 4-5 tea bags.
- Don’t rush the steeping- When steeping your tea, don’t rush the process. Doing this gets out as much flavor as possible from the tea bags.
- Steep the tea when the water is off the heat- To avoid burning your tea, take the boiling water off the heat and then add the tea bags to steep.
- Add baking soda- If you plan on making this sweet tea and storing it in the fridge for a few days, add a pinch of baking soda to keep it from becoming bitter.
Nutrition
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Anna says
We are southerners and love sweet tea! This is a great recipe, thank you!
Dina says
You are very welcome Anna! Glad to hear your family is enjoying this sweet tea! 🙂