Description: This classic Southern Sweet Tea recipe delivers the perfect balance of sweetness and refreshment. Made with simple ingredients and a touch of baking soda for smoothness, it’s the ideal beverage for hot summer days or any time you crave a taste of Southern hospitality.
Ingredients:
- 10 cups cold filtered water, divided
- 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
- 3 family-sized tea bags (or 9 regular tea bags)
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- Juice of 2 fresh lemons, optional
- Sliced lemons, for serving
Preparation:
- Step 1: Gather all your ingredients. Ensure you have a non-reactive teapot or saucepan (stainless steel or enamel-coated) to avoid any unwanted flavors in your tea. Prepare your lemons for juicing and slicing.
- Step 2: In your teapot or saucepan, bring 2 cups of the filtered water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Watch carefully to prevent it from boiling over.
- Step 3: Remove the pot from the heat immediately after boiling. Add the baking soda to the hot water. The baking soda helps to reduce any bitterness in the tea, resulting in a smoother flavor.
- Step 4: Add the tea bags to the hot water. Allow the tea to steep for 5-7 minutes, depending on your desired strength. Steeping longer will result in a stronger tea flavor, but be careful not to over-steep, as this can make the tea bitter.
- Step 5: Carefully remove the tea bags from the pot and discard them. Do not squeeze or press on the tea bags, as this can release tannins that make the tea bitter.
Instructions:
- Pour the brewed tea into a large, heat-proof pitcher or jug.
- Add the granulated sugar to the hot tea. Stir continuously until the sugar is completely dissolved. Ensure no sugar granules remain at the bottom of the pitcher.
- Add the remaining 8 cups of cold filtered water to the pitcher. Stir gently to combine.
- If desired, add the juice of 2 fresh lemons to the tea. This adds a refreshing citrus note that complements the sweetness of the tea.
- Refrigerate the sweet tea for at least 2-3 hours, or until it is ice cold. This allows the flavors to meld together and the tea to become thoroughly chilled.
- Fill a glass with ice. Pour the chilled sweet tea over the ice.
- Garnish with lemon slices, if desired, and serve immediately.
Why will you love this recipe?
This Southern Sweet Tea recipe is a timeless classic for a reason. It’s incredibly easy to make with just a few simple ingredients, and it delivers a perfectly balanced flavor that’s both refreshing and satisfying. The touch of baking soda ensures a smooth, non-bitter taste, while the optional lemon juice adds a bright, citrusy kick. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, relaxing on the porch, or simply need a cool drink on a hot day, this sweet tea recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve in tall glasses filled with ice.
- Garnish with lemon slices, mint sprigs, or peach slices for a visually appealing and flavorful touch.
- Pair with classic Southern dishes like fried chicken, pulled pork sandwiches, or coleslaw.
- Enjoy on its own as a refreshing afternoon beverage.
Tips:
- Use high-quality tea bags for the best flavor.
- Adjust the amount of sugar to your personal preference. Start with 1 1/2 cups and add more if needed.
- Be careful not to over-steep the tea, as this can make it bitter.
- For a stronger lemon flavor, add lemon slices to the pitcher while the tea is refrigerating.
- Store leftover sweet tea in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling time)
Nutritional Information: (per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 116 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Sodium: 26 mg
- Sugar: 30 g
- Calcium: 7 mg
Conclusion:
This Southern Sweet Tea recipe is a simple yet delightful way to enjoy a taste of the South. Its ease of preparation and perfectly balanced sweetness make it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re a Southerner at heart or simply looking for a refreshing beverage, this recipe is sure to hit the spot.
5 Questions and Answers about this Recipe:
- Question: Can I use artificial sweeteners instead of sugar? Answer: Yes, you can substitute artificial sweeteners for granulated sugar. However, be aware that the taste may be slightly different, and you may need to adjust the amount to achieve your desired sweetness. Some artificial sweeteners are much sweeter than sugar, so start with a smaller amount and add more to taste.
- Question: What type of tea bags are best for this recipe? Answer: Black tea bags are traditionally used for Southern Sweet Tea. You can use any brand or variety of black tea that you prefer. Some popular choices include Lipton, Tetley, and Luzianne. Using family-sized tea bags makes the process quicker, but regular tea bags will work just as well.
- Question: Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Answer: Absolutely! In fact, making it ahead of time is recommended, as it allows the flavors to meld together and the tea to become thoroughly chilled. You can store the sweet tea in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Question: What can I do if my sweet tea tastes bitter? Answer: Bitterness in sweet tea can be caused by over-steeping the tea bags or squeezing them after brewing. To avoid bitterness, be sure to steep the tea for the recommended time (5-7 minutes) and remove the tea bags gently without squeezing. Adding a pinch of baking soda can also help to neutralize any bitterness.
- Question: Can I add other fruits or flavors to this sweet tea? Answer: Yes, you can definitely customize your sweet tea with other fruits or flavors. Peach slices, raspberries, or mint leaves are all great additions. You can also experiment with different extracts, such as vanilla or almond, for a unique twist. Just add your desired fruits or flavors to the pitcher while the tea is refrigerating to allow the flavors to infuse.
