Southern Sweet Tea
There’s nothing quite like a tall glass of Southern sweet tea on a warm afternoon. Whether you’re rocking on a front porch, hosting a backyard barbecue, or just looking for a refreshing drink, this classic recipe is a must-have.
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Large heatproof pitcher (1 gallon)
- Wooden spoon or whisk
- Measuring cups
- Tea bags clip or spoon
- Ice cube tray
Ingredients
For the Tea
- 4 cups 1 quart water
- 3-4 black tea bags Lipton or Luzianne work great
- ½ teaspoon baking soda optional, helps reduce bitterness
For the Sweetener
- 1 to 1½ cups granulated sugar adjust to taste
- 4 cups 1 quart cold water
For Serving
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slices optional
- Fresh mint optional
Instructions
Brew the Tea
- In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil over medium heat.
- Remove from heat and add 3-4 black tea bags (tie the strings together for easy removal).
- Stir in ½ teaspoon of baking soda (optional, but it helps smooth out the bitterness).
- Let the tea steep for 10-15 minutes—the longer it steeps, the stronger the flavor.
Sweeten the Tea
- Remove the tea bags, gently squeezing out the excess liquid.
- While the tea is still warm, stir in 1 to 1½ cups of sugar until completely dissolved.
Cool and Serve
- Pour the sweet tea concentrate into a large pitcher and add 4 cups of cold water to dilute.
- Stir well and let it cool to room temperature.
- Refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours, or until chilled.
- Serve over ice with lemon slices or fresh mint, if desired.
Notes
Nutritional Value (Per Serving)
- Calories: 100-120 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
- Sugars: 24-28g
- Fat: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Sodium: 10-15mg (from the baking soda, if used)
- Caffeine: 30-50mg (from the black tea bags)
The nutritional information on this website is only an estimate and is provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed. It should not be used as a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.