Southern Sweet Tea Recipe
Southern Sweet Tea is a classic and refreshing beverage, perfect for hot summer days or family gatherings. This traditional Southern drink combines simple ingredients to create a deliciously sweet and smooth tea that’s a staple in Southern cuisine. For a true Southern taste, I recommend using Luzianne Tea.
Ingredients
- 2 family-size tea bags
- 1 cup sugar
- 8 cups of water
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slices, optional
Instructions
- Boil Water: Heat 4 cups of water until it reaches a boil in a kettle or on the stove in a pot.
- Steep Tea: Once the water is boiling, add the sugar and stir until it dissolves. Add the tea bags and let them steep for about 5-10 minutes, depending on your preference for strength.
- Remove Tea Bags: After steeping, carefully remove the tea bags. Avoid squeezing them to prevent the release of bitter tannins.
- Cool: Add the remaining water and allow the tea to come to room temperature. For faster cooling, place the pitcher in the refrigerator.
- Serve: Fill glasses with ice cubes. Pour the cooled tea over the ice and garnish with lemon slices, mint leaves, or fresh fruit if desired.
Tips
- Adjusting Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar to match your taste preference. If you are sensitive to too much sugar, reduce the sugar to 3/4 cup or less. If you like it really sweet, like Milo’s Sweet Tea, you might want to add a little more. Just keep in mind that you can always add more, but you can never take away sugar once it is added.
- Storing: Store any leftover sweet tea in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld and sometimes taste even better the next day!
- Serving Suggestions: Southern Sweet Tea pairs wonderfully with a slice of lemon or a sprig of mint. Serve in Mason jars or a glass pitcher for an extra special touch.
Southern Sweet Tea
Ingredients
- 2 family-size tea bags
- 8 cups of water
- 1 cup sugar
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slices optional
Instructions
- Heat 4 cups of water until it reaches a boil in a kettle or on the stove.
- Once the water is boiling, add the sugar and stir until it dissolves. Add the tea bags and let them steep for about 5-10 minutes, depending on your personal preference for strength.
- After steeping, carefully remove the tea bags. Avoid squeezing them to prevent releasing bitter tannins.
- Add the remaining water and allow the tea to come to room temperature. For faster cooling, place the pitcher in the refrigerator.
- Fill glasses with ice cubes. Pour the cooled tea over the ice and garnish with lemon slices, mint leaves, or fresh fruit if desired.
Nutrition
Iced Tea vs. Sweet Tea
Iced Tea is generally served unsweetened, while Sweet Tea is sweetened during brewing. Both are popular in the United States, but Sweet Tea holds a special place in Southern cuisine, known for its refreshing and sweet taste.
Making Sweet Tea in Different Quantities
| Quantity | Water | Family-Size Tea Bags | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/2 gallon (8 cups) | 4 cups boiling + 4 cups cool | 2 bags | 1 cup |
| 1 gallon (16 cups) | 8 cups boiling + 8 cups cool | 4 bags | 2 cups |
A Note About Tannic Acid and Iron Levels
Tannic acid, found in tea, can inhibit iron absorption, particularly non-heme iron from plant sources. It’s advisable for those with iron deficiency or anemia to avoid consuming tea during meals. Instead, enjoy your Southern Sweet Tea between meals to prevent interference with iron absorption.
