Description
Classic Southern Sweet Tea is a refreshingly sweet and smooth iced tea made by brewing strong black tea, sweetening it generously with sugar, and serving chilled over ice. This homemade version captures the authentic Southern tradition of perfectly balanced sweetened tea, enhanced optionally with lemon slices for a citrusy touch, making it an ideal drink for hot summer days or any occasion.
Ingredients
Tea Base
- 4 cups water
- 4-6 black tea bags (such as Lipton)
Sweetener and Dilution
- 1 to 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 4 cups cold filtered water
Serving
- Lemon slices (optional)
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Boil Water: In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of fresh filtered water to a rolling boil to prepare for steeping the tea bags.
- Steep Tea: Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately add 4 to 6 black tea bags. Let them steep for 5 to 7 minutes, allowing the tea to develop a strong, rich flavor.
- Add Sugar: While the tea is still warm, stir in 1 to 1½ cups of granulated sugar gradually, ensuring it fully dissolves to create the signature sweetness of Southern sweet tea.
- Dilute with Cold Water: Pour in 4 cups of cold filtered water into the sweetened tea mixture to dilute and cool it down nicely.
- Chill: Transfer the tea to a pitcher and refrigerate for at least one hour or until thoroughly chilled, so the flavors meld and the drink is refreshingly cold.
- Serve: Serve the chilled sweet tea over ice cubes in tall glasses, garnished with lemon slices if desired, for a classic Southern presentation and a hint of citrus brightness.
Notes
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of sugar according to your taste preference.
- Use good quality black tea for the best flavor and authentic taste.
- The lemon slices add a nice zesty touch but are entirely optional.
- For a more intense tea flavor, steep the tea bags a little longer but avoid steeping for too long to prevent bitterness.
- Store leftover sweet tea in the fridge and consume within 3 days for optimal freshness.
