Description
A refreshing and classic Southern sweet tea recipe, perfect for a hot day.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 cups water, divided
- 6-8 black tea bags (such as Lipton or Luzianne)
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar (adjust to your sweetness preference)
- Ice
- Lemon slices, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil in a large saucepan or pot.
- Remove the pot from the heat and add the tea bags.
- Steep the tea for 5-10 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea. Do not squeeze the tea bags, as this can make the tea bitter.
- Remove and discard the tea bags.
- While the tea is still hot, stir in the sugar until it is completely dissolved.
- Pour the hot tea mixture into a large pitcher.
- Add the remaining 4 cups of cold water to the pitcher.
- Stir well to combine.
- Refrigerate the sweet tea for at least 2-3 hours, or until it is thoroughly chilled.
- Serve over ice with lemon slices, if desired.
Notes
- For a stronger tea flavor, use more tea bags or steep for a longer time.
- Adjust the amount of sugar to your personal taste.
- You can make a simple syrup by heating equal parts sugar and water until the sugar dissolves, then adding it to the tea for easier mixing.
- Store leftover sweet tea in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Steeping
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup