Perfect Southern Sweet Tea
Today, we're diving into a Southern classic that's as refreshing as it is beloved: Southern Sweet Tea. This recipe is a staple in many households, and for good reason. With its perfect blend of sweetness and robust tea flavor, it’s the ultimate thirst-quencher for those hot summer days or any time you need a touch of Southern charm in your life.
Servings: 4 people
Ingredients
- 8 cup water, divided
- 6-8 black tea bags (preferably Luzianne or Lipton)
- 1 to 1 ½ cups granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda (optional, to reduce bitterness)
- Ice
- Lemon slices (optional, for serving)
- Fresh mint leaves (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Start by bringing 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium-sized pot.
- Remove the pot from heat once the water reaches a rolling boil. Add the tea bags to the hot water. Allow the tea bags to steep for 10-15 minutes, depending on how strong you want the tea.
- Stir in 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda while the tea is still hot. This step is optional but highly recommended as it helps to smooth out any bitterness and enhance the tea's flavor.
- Add the granulated sugar to the hot tea. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. The amount of sugar can be adjusted to your taste, but starting with 1 to 1 ½ cups is a good baseline.
- Pour the sweetened tea into a large pitcher. Add the remaining 4 cups of cold water to the pitcher and stir well to combine.
- Let the tea cool to room temperature, then place it in the refrigerator to chill thoroughly. This will take about 1-2 hours.
- When ready to serve, fill glasses with ice and pour the chilled sweet tea over the ice. Garnish with lemon slices and fresh mint leaves for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.
Nutrition
Serving: 1g | Calories: 120kcal