Southern Sweet Tea

Southern Sweet Tea

8 servings
Make the perfect, ice-cold glass of Southern Sweet Tea with this easy recipe! I'm sharing all my tips for crystal clear tea with no bitterness.

Ingredients

  • 8 cups water
  • 1 cup granulated sugar

    more or less

  • 2 family size tea bags

    I prefer Luzianne or Red Diamond

Directions

  1. 1

    Fill a medium-sized pot or boiler with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil. Allow to cool for a few minutes. I like to get the water to about 180°F before adding my tea bags. Allow the tea to steep for about 3 to 5 minutes, but no longer.

  2. 2

    Remove the tea bags, but do not squeeze them. Add 1 cup sugar (or less or more to your liking) while the tea is still warm. Stir to dissolve the sugar.

  3. 3

    Add the tea to a heat safe glass or plastic pitcher. Add 6 cups room temperature water. Chill in the fridge or enjoy over ice.

Southern Sweet Tea

Southern Sweet Tea

5.0(4)15 min8 servings

Ratings & Reviews

0.0/ 5
Exceptional

Based on 4 ratings

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About this Recipe

Craving that quintessential taste of the South, an ice-cold glass of perfectly balanced Southern Sweet Tea? This easy recipe is your key to unlocking that refreshing classic right in your own kitchen.

What makes this Southern Sweet Tea truly stand out is the focus on achieving a crystal clear brew without a hint of bitterness. My tips ensure a smooth, sweet, and incredibly satisfying drink that tastes like it came straight from a grandma's porch swing.

Prepare for a wave of pure refreshment. You'll experience the delightful balance of sweet and robust tea flavor, served over ice, making every sip a moment of cool bliss. This simple beverage is designed to be incredibly easy to make, delivering an authentic taste that perfectly captures the essence of Southern hospitality. It's the ideal drink for any warm day or as a comforting accompaniment to your favorite meal.

The beauty of Southern Sweet Tea lies in its adaptability. While I suggest a specific amount, feel free to adjust the granulated sugar to your personal preference, making it sweeter or slightly less so. You can also experiment with different brands of family size tea bags, though Luzianne or Red Diamond are my tried-and-true favorites for their classic Southern flavor profile.

Serve this Southern Sweet Tea chilled over plenty of ice, perhaps with a lemon wedge for garnish, though it's perfect plain. It's the ultimate thirst quencher for backyard barbecues, family gatherings, or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon on the porch.

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