🍹 Sweet Tea
This Sweet Tea is made the traditional Southern way—strong, smooth black tea sweetened with sugar while still warm, then chilled and served over ice. It’s simple, satisfying, and endlessly refreshing.
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Large pitcher
- Spoon or whisk
- measuring cups
Ingredients
- 8 cups 2 quarts water, divided
- 6 black tea bags Luzianne or Lipton are great choices
- ¾ to 1 cup granulated sugar adjust to taste
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda optional, for smoothness
- Ice for serving
- Lemon slices or mint optional, for garnish
Instructions
Boil the Water
- In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
Steep the Tea
- Remove from heat and add tea bags. Stir in baking soda (optional, it reduces bitterness and makes the tea smoother). Let steep for 10 minutes.
Sweeten the Tea
- Remove tea bags without squeezing them. While the tea is still warm, stir in ¾ to 1 cup sugar, depending on how sweet you like it. Stir until completely dissolved.
Dilute and Chill
- Pour sweetened tea into a large pitcher. Add the remaining 4 cups cold water and stir. Let cool, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Serve
- Serve over ice with optional lemon slices or mint sprigs. Stir before pouring if the sugar has settled.
Notes
💡 Tips for Success
Don’t over-steep: It can make the tea bitter Use baking soda: Just a pinch helps create a smoother, less astringent tea Serve cold: Always chill thoroughly before serving for best flavor
Don’t over-steep: It can make the tea bitter Use baking soda: Just a pinch helps create a smoother, less astringent tea Serve cold: Always chill thoroughly before serving for best flavor