What I love about making sweet tea is how simple it is and the joy it brings to everyone. My big mama always had a pitcher in her fridge, and so did my mama. Their tender-loving hands stirred countless pitchers that graced our dinner table. It’s easy to recreate that refreshing drink. All you need is some boiling water, tea bags and sugar. If you wanna get extra, add in some lemon or mint. But either way, you will end up with Southern comfort in a glass.
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How to Make Sweet Tea
- Add water to a medium sized pot and boil over high heat.
- Once boiling, turn off heat and add tea bags and steep.
- Remove tea bags from pot.
- Stir in sugar in increments until it completely dissolves into the hot tea.
- Add the sweetened tea to the pitcher and then fill the pitcher with water then add lemon wedges and mint (if you would like for garnish and flavor).
- Refrigerate until ready to serve. Add ice to glasses and serve.
We personally throw tea bags directly into boiling hot water and allow them to brew, releasing the essence of the black tea. Once the color of the tea reaches a deep auburn, we remove the teabags, add the sugar and allow it to come to room temperature before mixing with water.
Southern Sweet Tea Recipe
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Ingredients
- 5 cups water
- 5-6 black 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
- Ice
Instructions
- Add water to a medium sized pot and boil over high heat.
- Once boiling, turn off heat and add tea bags. Steep for 10-25 minutes (depending on strength you prefer).
- Stir in sugar in increments 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. Add ice to glasses and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Recipe Tips
- Use Good Quality Tea Bags: Trust me, the better the tea, the better the flavor. Go for a quality brand that you love like Luzianne. I usually stick with classic black tea for that authentic Southern taste.
- Don’t Rush the Steep: Let those tea bags steep for a good 10-25 minutes. The longer you steep, the stronger the flavor. Just be careful not to overdo it or the tea might get bitter.
- Dissolve the Sugar While It’s Hot: Stir in your sugar while the tea is still hot so it dissolves completely. This is key to getting that smooth, sweet flavor without any graininess.
- Adjust Sweetness to Your Taste: Start with a little sugar and add more as you go. Everyone’s got their own sweet spot, and this way, you can make sure it’s just right for you.
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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!