Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Learn how to make the perfect batch of homemade sweet tea with our easy recipe! With just a few simple ingredients and some kitchen tools, you'll be sipping on this refreshing southern classic in no time. Perfect for hot summer days or any time you need a little pick-me-up, our Sweet Tea recipe is sure to become a favorite in your beverage rotation.

How to Make Sweet Tea: A Classic Southern Beverage That Everyone Will Love

Sweet Tea

Sweet tea is a classic southern beverage that has been enjoyed for generations. Made from simple ingredients like tea bags, water, and sugar, it's a refreshing and delicious drink that's perfect for hot summer days. Whether you're from the South or not, there's something about the taste of sweet tea that can transport you to a front porch on a lazy afternoon. In this article, we'll share some tips and tricks for making the perfect glass of sweet tea, as well as some interesting facts and history about this beloved beverage.

The History of Sweet Tea

Sweet tea has a long and storied history in the South, where it is often considered the "house wine" of the region. The origins of sweet tea can be traced back to the 1800s, when tea began to be imported to the United States from China. At the time, tea was an expensive and luxurious commodity, but over time, it became more widely available and affordable. As tea became more popular in the South, people began adding sugar to their tea to make it more palatable. The tradition of sweet tea continued to evolve over time, and it became a beloved staple of Southern cuisine.

Where is Sweet Tea Most Popular in the United States?

While sweet tea is enjoyed all over the United States, it is most popular in the South, where it is a cultural icon. In fact, sweet tea is the official beverage of the state of South Carolina! It is also a popular drink in other Southern states like Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi. However, you don't have to be from the South to appreciate the sweet and refreshing taste of sweet tea.

Ingredients & Kitchen Tools Needed to Make Sweet Tea at Home

1. Large pot: You'll need a large pot to boil water and make the tea.
2. Tea bags: Choose your favorite brand and flavor of tea bags.
3. Water: Make sure the water is fresh and filtered.
4. Sugar: You'll need your preferred type of sugar, whether it's granulated, brown, or honey, to sweeten the tea.
5. Long-handled spoon: You'll need a spoon to stir the sugar into the hot tea.
6. Ice: Once the tea is brewed and sweetened, you'll need ice to cool it down.
7. Pitcher: You'll need a pitcher to store the sweet tea in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve.
8. Optional garnishes: If you want to add some extra flavor and visual appeal to your sweet tea, you can include garnishes like lemon wedges, fresh mint leaves, or sliced fruit.

That's it! With these basic kitchen tools, you can easily make refreshing sweet tea in the comfort of your own home.

How to Make Sweet Tea

Making sweet tea is a simple and straightforward process, but there are a few tips and tricks that can help you achieve the perfect balance of sweetness and flavor. Here's how to make sweet tea:

Ingredients:

• 6 tea bags (regular black tea works best)
• 8 cups of filtered water
• 1 cup of granulated white sugar, or sweetener of choice
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Boil the water in a large pot.
2. Once the water has boiled, remove it from the heat and add the tea bags.
3. Let the tea bags steep for 3-5 minutes, depending on how strong you want the tea to be.
4. Remove the tea bags and stir in the sugar until it dissolves completely.
5. Pour the tea into a pitcher and add enough ice cubes to fill the pitcher.
6. Stir the tea until it's well chilled.
7. Serve over ice and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Sweet Tea

• Use fresh, high-quality tea bags for the best flavor.
• Don't over-steep the tea, as this can make it bitter.
• Add the sugar while the tea is still warm to help it dissolve more easily.
• If you prefer a less sweet tea, you can adjust the amount of sugar to your liking.
• To add a little extra flavor, you can add a splash of lemon juice or a sprig of mint to your sweet tea.

Sweet tea is a classic Southern beverage that's enjoyed by people all over the United States. With its simple ingredients and delicious flavor, it's a drink that's perfect for any occasion, from a summer barbecue to a lazy afternoon on the porch. By following these tips and tricks for making the perfect glass of sweet tea, you can enjoy this beloved beverage in the comfort of your own home.

Continue to Content

Sweet Tea

Yield: 1

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Learn how to make the perfect batch of homemade sweet tea with our easy recipe! With just a few simple ingredients and some kitchen tools, you'll be sipping on this refreshing southern classic in no time. Perfect for hot summer days or any time you need a little pick-me-up, our Sweet Tea recipe is sure to become a favorite in your beverage rotation.

Print

Ingredients

• 6 tea bags (regular black tea works best)
• 8 cups of filtered water
• 1 cup of granulated white sugar or sweetener of choice
• Ice cubes

Instructions

1. Boil the water in a large pot.

1. Once the water has boiled, remove it from the heat and add the tea bags.
2. Let the tea bags steep for 3-5 minutes, depending on how strong you want the tea to be.
3. Remove the tea bags and stir in the sugar until it dissolves completely.
4. Pour the tea into a pitcher and add enough ice cubes to fill the pitcher.
5. Stir the tea until it’s well chilled.
6. Serve over ice and enjoy!

Notes

Tips for Perfect Sweet Tea

Use fresh, high-quality tea bags for the best flavor.

Don’t over-steep the tea, as this can make it bitter.

Add the sugar while the tea is still warm to help it dissolve more easily.

If you prefer a less sweet tea, you can adjust the amount of sugar to your liking.

To add a little extra flavor, you can add a splash of lemon juice or a sprig of mint to your sweet tea.

Recommended Products

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  Southern Breeze Sweet Tea Glass Mason Jar
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  GE Profile Opal | Countertop Nugget Ice Maker
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  Libbey Heavy Base Tumbler Glasses, Set of 8
• 
  Homestia Gold Measuring Cups and Spoons Set Stainless Steel 8 PIECE for Dry and Liquid Ingredients Engraved Measurement Heavy Duty Baking & Cooking Utensils
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  Pyrex Glass Measuring Cup Set (3-Piece, Microwave and Oven Safe),Clear
• 
  Creative Co-Op Floral Hand Stamped Stoneware Measuring Cups (Set of 4 Sizes/Designs)
• 
  OXO Good Grips 15-Piece Everyday Kitchen Utensil Set

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 1 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 777Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 79mgCarbohydrates: 201gFiber: 0gSugar: 200gProtein: 0g

Please note that the Calculated Nutrition is an estimate at best. If you make this recipe and love it, remember to stop back and give it a 5-star rating – it helps others find the recipe!

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• First published: 3/27/2023

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Sara Maniez

Owner at Life's Little Sweets

Life’s Little Sweets is a seasonal cooking and local food blog featuring farm-to-table recipes, CSA inspiration, and creative ways to enjoy what’s fresh and in season.

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