SWEET TEA RECIPE
SOUTHERN SWEET TEA RECIPE
HOW TO MAKE SWEET TEA
With more of a detailed idea of how to create sweet tea, you can pretty much follow your gut (and taste buds) through the process to create a rendition that will satisfy your thirst whenever necessary.
So really you only need like 3 (or 4) things to create this homemade sweet tea recipe:
- Water
- Tea bags
- Sugar and
- If you want to get fancy, lemon.
- That’s it. Why folks make this such a big deal is beyond me. And some ice, don’t forget how good iced tea can be.
What Tea Brand Should I use for my Homemade Sweet Tea Recipe?
Now for tea bags, the South is pretty loyal to Luzianne but Lipton makes good sweet tea too so grab one of those boxes and get busy. For sugar content, this is very subjective. I know folks who love their tea to taste as sweet as candy and then others that like theirs a bit on the bitter side. Again, all subjective so do what makes sense for you. Lemon or mint? That’s more of a new aged thing to some. My big mama certainly would think so but I love adding them to my pitcher because of the additional flavor infused in the tea and how lovely it looks swirly around in my mason jar.
When it is all said and done, making a Southern Sweet Tea Recipe is no sweat, believe me, and it is a very personal thing. Make it your own and enjoy a big glass for me, okay?
- 5 cups water
- 5-6 tea bags depending on how strong you want your tea
- 2/3- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar depending on how sweet you want it
- Optional: lemon and mint
- Add water to a medium sized pot and boil over high heat.
- Once boiling, turn off heat and add tea bags. Steep for 15-25 minutes (depending on strength you prefer).
- Stir in sugar until it completely dissolves into the hot tea.
- Remove tea bags from pot then pour tea into a large pitcher.
- Add enough water to fill the pitcher then add lemon wedges and mint (if you would like for garnish and flavor).
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
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Mary says
June 23, 2017 at 7:07 pmI’m guessing the pitcher is 2 qts or is it larger? Looking forward to trying this.
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
June 24, 2017 at 11:24 amYes that should be good!
Evi @ greenevi says
June 15, 2015 at 2:09 amJust the perfect summer drink! Such a simple recipe, I love it!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
June 15, 2015 at 4:58 pmThank you so much!!
Megan - The Emotional Baker says
May 28, 2015 at 9:32 amI used to make sweet tea every weekend & the only way I know how – with lots of sugar! This looks so refreshing 🙂
Karen @ On the Banks of Salt Creek says
May 27, 2015 at 12:55 pmI should live in the south. There is just so much to love.
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
May 27, 2015 at 10:04 pmAgreed girlfriend!
Shikha @ Shikha la mode says
May 27, 2015 at 1:20 amI like my tea on the sweeter side, so I’d def be adding more sugar to this!
Mariah @ Mariah's Pleasing Plates says
May 27, 2015 at 12:19 amSweet tea is the best thing ever!!! I absolutely love it! This looks delicious!
Elsa | the Whinery says
May 26, 2015 at 6:59 pmBring on Summer! I’ve been a little intimidated by sweet tea, always felt like I was making it wrong… but with this handy guide I’m going to try again this summer! 🙂
Chineka @ Savor The Baking says
May 26, 2015 at 5:26 pmSouthern sweet tea is the best. There is nothing that can compare.
Suzy @ The Mediterranean Dish says
May 26, 2015 at 3:27 pmNow this is the perfect thirst quencher right here! You are so right, sweet tea is one of those things that you can put your own spin on. Just my kind of recipe!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
May 26, 2015 at 4:45 pmOh yeah! I absolutely adore sweet tea.
Justine | Cooking and Beer says
May 26, 2015 at 1:52 pmDo you know I’ve never made sweet tea? I usually buy it … becaauuuuusse I’m lazy. But you’ve inspired me, so I’m definitely trying this pitcher of gorgeousness out! Side Note: These photos are stunning. The end.
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
May 26, 2015 at 4:44 pmHahaha thanks hon! And yes fill that pitcher all the way up and fast!
marcie says
May 26, 2015 at 12:28 pmI don’t have iced tea enough, and this sweet tea sounds like just the thing I need this summer!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
May 26, 2015 at 12:58 pmI know! It is so easy to forget!!
Christin@SpicySouthernKitchen says
May 26, 2015 at 11:01 amNothing like a glass of sweet tea on a hot summer day! 🙂
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
May 26, 2015 at 12:58 pmNothing like it girl!
Sarah | Broma Bakery says
May 26, 2015 at 8:55 amYour sweet tea looks perfect. I’d like to come over for a glass, please 🙂
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
May 26, 2015 at 12:56 pmYou are welcome for a glass my dear!
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says
May 26, 2015 at 7:12 amSouthern sweet tea!!! I love this, J! and beautifully shot!!!! and hey, I believe you when you say you’ve probably had way more Southern Sweet Tea in your life than water. Love it! A true Southerner!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
May 26, 2015 at 8:30 amHahaha sweet tea is essential. Thanks hon!
Mir says
May 26, 2015 at 5:45 amIt’s that time, the time to sit on porches and drink this! Seriously the best summer drink, hands down. I’m glad there’s no special secret, because I’m not a Southerner and therefore have a complex about making authentic sweet tea. Thanks for removing my fear!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
May 26, 2015 at 8:31 amHahaha I know right? It is so simple and yet people make it a big deal. Try it some time my girl!
Tonia from TheGunnySack says
May 25, 2015 at 8:33 pmI just got back from a trip “down south” and one of the things I wanted to drink was sweet tea but somehow, we missed out! I guess I will just have to make it myself!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
May 26, 2015 at 8:34 amAwww yep so easy to make yourself!
Zainab says
May 25, 2015 at 8:16 pmI just bought a pitcher this weekend and I think this sweet tea needs to be the first thing I will make. Love the guidelines 🙂
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
May 26, 2015 at 8:34 amLove it!
Allie | Baking a Moment says
May 25, 2015 at 7:52 pmNothing quenches like sweet tea in the summertime! I didn’t grow up in the south, but we’ve always had a big jug in the fridge for as long as I can remember!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
May 26, 2015 at 8:34 amNow girl you are for real living the dream. I love that you always have a jug.
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust says
May 25, 2015 at 6:58 pmSince sweet tea isn’t a thing here in CA, I’ve always wanted to try it. Thanks for the awesome recipe!
Ashley | The Recipe Rebel says
May 25, 2015 at 5:29 pmHow I love a good iced tea! This is so beautiful Jocelyn! Pinned 🙂
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
May 26, 2015 at 8:37 amThank you so much hon!
Julianne @ Beyond Frosting says
May 25, 2015 at 2:39 pmI would love to try your homemade sweet tea!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
May 26, 2015 at 8:41 amCome on over my dear!
Tonya says
May 25, 2015 at 1:23 pmI’m from Texas and we grew up on Southern Sweet Tea. Grandma wouldn’t have it another other way and Grandpa insisted the key to a Good pitcher of tea was that it had to sit out on the porch in 95 plus temperatures to steep. LOL! It’s a Southern Thang! Thanks for the memories!!! Gulp!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
May 26, 2015 at 8:41 amOh I love that! It is necessary!
Jess @ whatjessicabakednext says
May 25, 2015 at 10:40 amThis looks amazing! Love the flavourings from the lemon and mint – gorgeous!
Sam@SugarSpunRun says
May 25, 2015 at 10:30 amBeautiful and easy. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
May 25, 2015 at 10:37 amThanks so much Sam!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
May 26, 2015 at 8:46 amThank you hon!
CakeSpy says
May 25, 2015 at 9:57 amOoooh -ooh-ooh! It makes my teeth ache in sugary anticipation.
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
May 25, 2015 at 10:39 amYES!!!
Medha @ Whisk & Shout says
May 25, 2015 at 9:36 amI’d do with a hefty serving of both lemon AND mint! This looks awesome and I loev how easy it is to make 🙂
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
May 25, 2015 at 10:41 amIt is beyond super simple!