best southern sweet tea recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
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The Best best southern sweet tea recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my family’s favorite Southern sweet tea recipe. This classic drink is a staple in the South, and for good reason – it’s the perfect way to quench your thirst on a hot summer day. I’ve been making this recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family and friends.

There’s something about the combination of sweet tea and fresh mint that just can’t be beat. I like to make a big pitcher of it on Sundays for our family gatherings, and everyone loves it. The best part?

It’s incredibly easy to make! All you need is some black tea, sugar, water, and fresh mint leaves. Simply brew the tea, add in the sugar and water, and let it steep for a few minutes before adding in the fresh mint leaves.

That’s it! You can adjust the amount of sugar to your taste, but I like mine nice and sweet. My kids love helping me make this recipe because they get to be in charge of adding in the ice cubes – they think it’s so much fun to watch the ice cubes clink against the side of the glass as we pour in the tea.

And let me tell you, nothing says ‘Southern hospitality’ like serving up a big glass of sweet tea on the porch on a warm summer evening. My family always looks forward to our Sunday gatherings around the sweet tea table – it’s just a special tradition that brings us all together.

Best Southern Sweet Tea Recipe

4.9 from 876 votes

A classic Southern sweet tea recipe that is refreshing and easy to make. Perfect for hot summer days or as a complement to any meal.

Prep Time5 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time15 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 160 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Ingredients

8 tea bags
2 cups water
2 cups sugar
8 cups water
lemon wedges or mint leaves for garnish

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat 2 cups of water in a tea kettle until it reaches a full rolling boil.
2This should take approximately 5-7 minutes.
3Add 8 tea bags to the hot water and let them steep for 5 minutes.
4The water should turn a dark amber color.
5While the tea is steeping, dissolve 2 cups of sugar in 8 cups of water in a large pitcher.
6Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
7The mixture should be clear and free of any sugar granules.
8Remove the tea bags from the hot water and discard them.
9Pour the steeped tea into the pitcher with the sugar water.
10Stir well to combine.
11The mixture should be a uniform dark brown color.
12Let the sweet tea cool to room temperature.
13This should take approximately 30-45 minutes.
14Once cooled, refrigerate until chilled.
15The tea should be cold to the touch.
16Serve the sweet tea over ice cubes.
17Garnish with lemon wedges or mint leaves for added flavor.
18The tea should be a refreshing and sweet beverage.

🔧Equipment

Tea kettle
Large pitcher
Spoon
Ice cubes

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 160 kcal🧈Total Fat: 0g💛Saturated Fat: 0g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 10mg🌾Total Carbs: 42g🥦Dietary Fiber: 0g🍬Sugars: 42g🥩Protein: 0g

📝Notes

You can adjust the amount of sugar to taste. For a stronger tea flavor, use more tea bags or let the tea steep for a longer period of time. To make it a bit healthier, you can use a sugar substitute.

Watch Video Of How Best Southern Sweet Tea Recipe Works

This Southern sweet tea recipe is truly one of my favorites because it’s so easy to make and tastes amazing every time.

Whether we’re having a big family gathering or just need a refreshing drink on a hot summer day, this recipe never fails to deliver.

And let me tell you, there’s nothing better than serving up a big glass of sweet tea on the porch with some fresh fruit or cookies on the side.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Southern Sweet Tea

Q: What kind of tea should I use for this recipe?

You can use any type of black tea you like for this recipe, but I prefer to use Luzianne or Lipton because they’re strong and have a great flavor.

Q: How much sugar should I add?

The amount of sugar you add is totally up to you, but I like to use about 1 cup of sugar per 4 cups of water.

Q: Can I make this recipe without fresh mint leaves?

You can definitely make this recipe without fresh mint leaves, but it won’t be quite as good – trust me, the fresh mint adds a whole new level of flavor!

Q: Can I store this tea in the fridge?

Yes, you can store this tea in the fridge for up to 3 days – just be sure to keep it cold!

Q: Can I make this recipe in large quantities?

Absolutely – just multiply all the ingredients by however many times you want to make and follow the same instructions.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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