Classic Southern Sweet Tea Recipe
A simple and authentic Southern sweet tea made with real sugar and robust black tea, perfect for refreshing summer days and gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 to 8 black tea bags or about 6 teaspoons loose black tea (Assam or Southern blend recommended)
- 1 gallon (3.8 liters) fresh water, divided
- 1 to 1¼ cups (200 to 250 grams) granulated sugar
- Lemon slices (optional, for garnish)
- Ice cubes (for serving)
- Mint sprigs (optional, for aroma and garnish)
- Simple syrup (optional alternative to granulated sugar)
Instructions
- Bring about half a gallon (1.9 liters) of fresh water to a rolling boil in a stockpot or kettle (about 8-10 minutes).
- Remove from heat and add 6 to 8 tea bags or 6 teaspoons loose tea in an infuser to the hot water. Cover and steep for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Remove tea bags or strain loose leaves carefully without squeezing to avoid bitterness.
- While the tea is still hot, stir in 1 to 1¼ cups granulated sugar until completely dissolved.
- Pour the sweetened tea into a large pitcher and add the remaining half gallon (1.9 liters) of cold water to dilute and cool.
- Refrigerate the tea for at least 2 hours, ideally 3 to 4 hours, until thoroughly chilled.
- Serve over ice cubes and garnish with lemon slices or mint sprigs if desired.
Notes
Use fresh cold water for best flavor. Do not squeeze tea bags to avoid bitterness. Dissolve sugar while tea is hot to prevent graininess. Chill tea for at least 2 hours for best taste. Adjust sweetness by varying sugar amount. Add cold water after sweetening to prevent sugar crystallization. Can be stored refrigerated up to 5 days, best within 2-3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 oz (240 ml)
- Calories: 90110
- Sugar: 2426
- Carbohydrates: 2528
Keywords: sweet tea, southern sweet tea, homemade sweet tea, black tea, iced tea, refreshing drink, summer beverage