Description
Classic Southern Sweet Tea is a refreshing, sweetened black tea beverage that perfectly balances robust tea flavor with just the right amount of sugar. Served over ice and optionally garnished with lemon slices, this drink is a staple in Southern hospitality and ideal for warm weather refreshment.
Ingredients
Scale
Tea Base
- 4 cups water
- 4-6 black tea bags (like Lipton)
Sweetener
- 1 to 1½ cups granulated sugar
Additional Liquids and Garnishes
- 4 cups cold filtered water
- Lemon slices (optional)
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Boil Water: Bring 4 cups of fresh filtered water to a rolling boil in a medium saucepan to prepare the tea base.
- Steep Tea: Remove the saucepan from heat and add 4-6 black tea bags. Let steep for 5-7 minutes, allowing the tea to infuse fully and develop a rich flavor.
- Dissolve Sugar: While the tea is still warm, stir in 1 to 1½ cups of granulated sugar. Continue stirring until all the sugar has fully dissolved, creating a sweet tea concentrate.
- Dilute Tea: Pour in an additional 4 cups of cold filtered water to dilute the tea and lower its temperature, making it ready to serve.
- Chill: Transfer the brewed tea mixture to a pitcher and refrigerate for at least one hour or until it is thoroughly chilled.
- Serve: Serve the sweet tea over ice cubes in tall glasses. Garnish with lemon slices if desired for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of sugar based on your preferred sweetness level.
- For stronger tea flavor, use 6 tea bags; for a milder taste, use 4.
- Use filtered water for the best taste quality.
- Sweet tea can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Lemon slices add a fresh citrus note but are optional.
