Sweet Tea Recipe

My kids and I experimented with our own sweet tea recipe, and we want to share the delicious results so you can stay cool this summer! Continue reading to see how you can make this simple recipe at home.

Ingredients Needed for Sweet Iced Tea

Sweet tea is simple, and it’s better than bottled stuff! You just need tea, water, and a sweetener. We prefer to use sugar, but alternatives could include things like simple syrup or even honey! Grab these ingredients and get ready to make delicious homemade sweet tea.

• 6 Lipton black tea bags (regular size)
• ½ cup sugar
• 8 cups water, divided
• 2-quart pitcher

If you like unsweetened iced tea, just leave the sugar out! That part is completely optional. You can also serve the tea with lemon slices or a sprig of fresh mint for added flavor. 

How to Make the Best Sweet Tea

This recipe for homemade iced tea is so simple; kids can make it. Just be sure to supervise while they work with the hot liquids! 

1. Start by bringing 4 cups of water to a hard simmer but not quite a full boil. 
2. Remove the water from the heat and place the tea bags in the water. 
3. Allow the tea to brew for 10 minutes. (Too long and the tea will become bitter)
4. Remove the tea bags and discard them. 
5. Mix in 1/2 cup of sugar and stir until dissolved. 
6. Pour the tea into a glass pitcher. (A plastic one may crack from the heat) Allow to cool slightly.
7. Add 4 cups of cold water and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving over ice cubes. 

You can find family-size tea bags that help with making large quantities as well. Most stores have them with the rest of their herbal tea choices. 

* This iced tea recipe makes 2 quarts! Pour yourself a big glass and enjoy!

Simple Tip: We tried this three ways: with 1/3 cup of sugar, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 3/4 cup of sugar. We preferred the 1/2 cup because It wasn’t too sweet. My kids don’t love it super sweet, but the 1/2 cup allows room to add more or less to reach your happy medium! You can always add more or less sugar to match your taste preferences. 

Also, for every quart of finished tea, you want 3 tea bags and 1/4 cup of sugar. Hopefully, that helps if you need to make more or less of the iced tea recipe!

Why Do Some Southerners Put Baking Soda in Sweet Tea?

Tea has tannins in it, which makes it naturally bitter. Baking soda can combat that. Add just a pinch to create a smoother taste in your gallon of sweet tea. When they say add a pinch, they mean it! Don’t overdo it; you really just need a 1/8 of a teaspoon for this quintessential summer drink. 

Can You Use Green Tea?

If you prefer green tea over black tea, you can certainly use it with hot water instead. Whatever meets your personal preference will do fine. This cold tea doesn’t discriminate when it comes to types of tea. Adding your spoonful of sugar will counteract any bitter taste anyway, making your tastebuds dance. It will easily become your beverage of choice this summer. 

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Sweet Tea

A southern sweet tea recipe is our go-to in the warm summer heat! Sweetened to your preference this beverage recipe is easy adaptable to your families tastes buds.

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Keyword Sweet Tea

Servings 2 quarts

Ingredients

• 6 tea bags (regular size) we use Lipton
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 8 cups water, divided

Instructions

• Start by bringing 4 cups of water to a hard simmer but not quite a full boil. 
• Remove the water from the heat and place the tea bags in the water. Allow the tea to brew for 10 minutes. (Too long and the tea will become bitter)Remove the tea bags and discard them. 
• Mix in 1/2 cup of sugar and stir until dissolved. Pour the tea into a glass pitcher. Allow to cool slightly.
• Add 4 cups of cold water and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving over ice cubes. 

More Recipes You Will Love: 

These cool recipes are other great options as you try to cool down in the heat of the summer! 

• Strawberry Lemonade Popsicles – These are a fun treat to make with your kids and serve with some water play outdoors. They are also great for a large gathering! Super simple, delicious, and full of tasty ingredients. 
• BLT Pasta Salad – Need something to fill your belly? Try this amazing pasta salad with a refreshing twist!
• Frosted Lemonade – This treat is sure to keep you cool for the whole morning or afternoon. It’s easy to make and tastes amazing. 

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