Southern Sweet Tea Recipe
Few drinks capture the spirit of summer in the South quite like Southern Sweet Tea. This iconic beverage is more than just a thirst quencher; it’s a symbol of hospitality, comfort, and those slow, golden afternoons spent on the porch with friends and family. With its bold black tea base, a generous dose of sugar, and optional bright garnishes like lemon and mint, Southern Sweet Tea brings a cool, refreshing sweetness to every gathering. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to transport you to sunnier days with every sip.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Tea Base
- 8 cups water, divided
- 6 black tea bags (such as Lipton or Luzianne)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda (optional)
For Serving (Optional)
- Lemon slices
- Fresh mint leaves
How to Make Southern Sweet Tea
Step 1: Boil the Water
Start by bringing 2 cups of water to a rolling boil in a medium saucepan. Using boiling water is key to extracting the deep, rich flavors from the tea bags and setting the foundation for your Southern Sweet Tea. Don’t rush this step; a good, hot steep makes all the difference!
Step 2: Steep the Tea
Once the water is bubbling, take the pan off the heat and drop in your black tea bags. Cover the saucepan and let the tea steep for 10 to 15 minutes, depending on how strong you like it. Longer steeping gives you a bolder tea, while a shorter time keeps things milder. The covered steep also locks in those subtle aromas that make sweet tea so irresistible.
Step 3: Sweeten the Tea
Carefully remove the tea bags, being sure not to squeeze them (this can make the tea bitter). Add the cup of sugar to the hot tea concentrate and stir until it’s completely dissolved. If you’re using baking soda, now’s the time to add that tiny pinch—this old Southern trick helps smooth out any bitterness and gives your tea a gentle, silky finish.
Step 4: Finish and Chill
Pour your sweetened tea concentrate into a large pitcher. Add the remaining 6 cups of cold water and give everything a good stir. Let the pitcher cool to room temperature, then refrigerate your Southern Sweet Tea until it’s nice and cold. Chilling not only makes the tea super refreshing but also helps all the flavors meld together perfectly.
Step 5: Serve Over Ice
When you’re ready to serve, fill tall glasses with plenty of ice and pour in your chilled tea. Add lemon slices and a sprig of fresh mint if you like. These finishing touches take your Southern Sweet Tea from “delicious” to “absolutely unforgettable.”
How to Serve Southern Sweet Tea
Garnishes
A classic glass of Southern Sweet Tea is a thing of beauty all on its own, but a few simple garnishes can make it truly special. Try adding a thin slice of lemon for a burst of citrus or a sprig of fresh mint for a hint of herbal freshness. Not only do these garnishes look gorgeous, but they also add subtle layers of flavor that complement the sweet, mellow tea.
Side Dishes
Southern Sweet Tea pairs beautifully with a wide range of dishes. Whether you’re serving it alongside fried chicken, barbecue, or a spread of biscuits and pimento cheese, this tea is the ultimate refresher. It’s also the perfect companion for picnic fare like deviled eggs, coleslaw, or peach cobbler—its sweetness balancing out savory or tangy flavors on your table.
Creative Ways to Present
Get a little playful with your presentation! Serve Southern Sweet Tea in mason jars for a rustic, homespun vibe, or pour it into sparkling glass pitchers for an elegant touch at a party. For a fun twist, freeze tea into ice cubes to keep drinks cold without dilution, or set out a garnish bar with lemon wedges, mint, and fresh berries so guests can customize their glasses.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Southern Sweet Tea (a rare occurrence!), simply store it in a covered pitcher in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to five days. Give it a gentle stir before serving to recombine any settled sugar or tea solids.
Freezing
Believe it or not, you can freeze Southern Sweet Tea! Pour any extra tea into ice cube trays and freeze. These tea cubes are perfect for chilling future glasses of sweet tea or even for adding a burst of flavor to lemonade or fruit punches.
Reheating
Southern Sweet Tea is meant to be enjoyed cold, but if you accidentally left your pitcher out or need to refresh the flavors, just give it a quick stir and pop it back in the fridge to chill again. If you want a warm version (for a chilly day), gently heat the tea over low heat on the stovetop—but skip the ice and garnishes.
FAQs
Can I use green tea instead of black tea for Southern Sweet Tea?
While black tea is traditional and gives that classic flavor, you can absolutely use green tea for a lighter, grassier version. Just note that the color and taste will be different, but still delicious!
How do I make a sugar-free version?
Replace the granulated sugar with your favorite sugar substitute, such as stevia, monk fruit, or erythritol. Start with less than a cup and add to taste, since some substitutes are sweeter than regular sugar.
Why add baking soda to sweet tea?
A tiny pinch of baking soda neutralizes the tannins in black tea, which can sometimes cause bitterness. It also helps your Southern Sweet Tea stay clear and smooth, especially if your water is hard or highly mineralized.
How strong should I steep the tea?
Steeping for 10 to 15 minutes is the sweet spot. Less time will yield a milder tea, while longer steeping makes a bolder, richer drink. Feel free to experiment until you find the strength that’s just right for you!
Can I double or halve this recipe?
Absolutely! Southern Sweet Tea is a forgiving recipe. Just keep the ratios the same and adjust the batch size to fit your pitcher or your crowd. It’s easy to scale up for parties or pare down for a cozy afternoon for two.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing like a glass of homemade Southern Sweet Tea to bring a little Southern sunshine into your day. Whether you’re sipping it on the porch or sharing it at your next gathering, this classic recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home. Give it a try and let every sweet, icy sip remind you of simple joys and warm hospitality!
Print
Southern Sweet Tea Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A classic Southern Sweet Tea recipe that delivers a perfectly sweetened, refreshing iced tea with a rich black tea flavor. Made with simple ingredients and easy stovetop preparation, this traditional beverage is ideal for hot summer days or any time you crave a cool, sweet drink.
Ingredients
Tea Base
- 8 cups water, divided
- 6 black tea bags (such as Lipton or Luzianne)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda (optional)
For Serving (Optional)
- Lemon slices
- Fresh mint leaves
Instructions
- Boil Water and Steep Tea: In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Remove from heat and immediately add the tea bags. Cover the saucepan and steep the tea bags for 10 to 15 minutes depending on how strong you prefer the tea.
- Remove Tea Bags and Sweeten: Carefully remove the tea bags without squeezing them, to avoid bitterness. Stir in the granulated sugar until it fully dissolves. If desired, add a pinch of baking soda to help reduce any bitterness and smooth out the flavor.
- Dilute Tea Concentrate: Pour the sweetened tea concentrate into a large pitcher. Add the remaining 6 cups of cold water to dilute the tea to the right strength. Stir well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the sweet tea until well chilled, ideally for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld. Serve the tea over ice cubes, garnished with lemon slices and fresh mint leaves if using, for a refreshing presentation.
Notes
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar according to your taste preference.
- For a lighter or lower-calorie version, substitute granulated sugar with a sugar alternative like stevia or erythritol.
- Sweet tea tastes best when chilled for at least one hour to develop its full flavor profile.
- Do not squeeze the tea bags after steeping to prevent bitterness from releasing.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
