Southern Sweet Tea Recipe- A Southern Classic made deliciously refreshing and sweet with ease. Sit on the porch with a tall cold glass and enjoy.
Sad truth: I have probably had way more Southern Sweet Tea in my life than plain water. I know that sounds crazy but it is a fact. A pitcher of it existed on every supper table through my youth and still finds its way into my fridge from time to time, especially when the weather warms up.
The appeal of a Southern Sweet Tea Recipe is pretty clear: Ice cold tea with heaps of sugar to cut that tea tartness. Whoever invented this was a genius!
Most Southerners would like you to believe that there is a real science to making this beverage but I think that’s just a bunch of hoopla that has been brainwashing folks for years. The reality is it is quite simple to make a good ole fashioned homemade Sweet Tea Recipe. I almost didn’t have a real recipe to share in this post. In fact, the recipe below is more of a guideline than a set recipe to follow to the tee. You can also use this recipe in other recipes I have on the site light my Sweet Tea Fried Chicken.
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.
How to Make Southern Sweet Tea
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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I’m guessing the pitcher is 2 qts or is it larger? Looking forward to trying this.
Yes that should be good!
Just the perfect summer drink! Such a simple recipe, I love it!
Thank you so much!!
I used to make sweet tea every weekend & the only way I know how – with lots of sugar! This looks so refreshing 🙂
I should live in the south. There is just so much to love.
Agreed girlfriend!
I like my tea on the sweeter side, so I’d def be adding more sugar to this!
Sweet tea is the best thing ever!!! I absolutely love it! This looks delicious!
Bring 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! 🙂
Southern sweet tea is the best. There is nothing that can compare.
Now 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!
Oh yeah! I absolutely adore sweet tea.
Do 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.
Hahaha thanks hon! And yes fill that pitcher all the way up and fast!
I don’t have iced tea enough, and this sweet tea sounds like just the thing I need this summer!
I know! It is so easy to forget!!
Nothing like a glass of sweet tea on a hot summer day! 🙂
Nothing like it girl!
Your sweet tea looks perfect. I’d like to come over for a glass, please 🙂
You are welcome for a glass my dear!
Southern 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!
Hahaha sweet tea is essential. Thanks hon!
It’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!
Hahaha I know right? It is so simple and yet people make it a big deal. Try it some time my girl!
I 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!
Awww yep so easy to make yourself!
I just bought a pitcher this weekend and I think this sweet tea needs to be the first thing I will make. Love the guidelines 🙂
Love it!
Nothing 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!
Now girl you are for real living the dream. I love that you always have a jug.
Since sweet tea isn’t a thing here in CA, I’ve always wanted to try it. Thanks for the awesome recipe!
How I love a good iced tea! This is so beautiful Jocelyn! Pinned 🙂
Thank you so much hon!
I would love to try your homemade sweet tea!
Come on over my dear!
I’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!
Oh I love that! It is necessary!
This looks amazing! Love the flavourings from the lemon and mint – gorgeous!
Beautiful and easy. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Thanks so much Sam!
Thank you hon!
Ooooh -ooh-ooh! It makes my teeth ache in sugary anticipation.
YES!!!
I’d do with a hefty serving of both lemon AND mint! This looks awesome and I loev how easy it is to make 🙂
It is beyond super simple!