Name: Southern Sweet Tea
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 4 h 20 min
Cuisine: Southern US
Ingredients: 2 cups boiling water; 1 pinch baking soda; 6 tea bags; ¾ cup white sugar; 6 cups cold water

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Southern Sweet Tea is perfectly balanced—sweet but not overpowering—with a smooth, mellow flavor from the tea. It’s incredibly simple to make in large batches, making it ideal for gatherings, barbecues, or just to enjoy on your porch. The addition of baking soda softens the water, enhancing the tea’s smoothness.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cups boiling water
1 pinch baking soda
6 tea bags
¾ cup white sugar
6 cups cold water

Directions

In a large pot, combine boiling water, baking soda, and tea bags. Let steep for 15 minutes.
Remove the tea bags carefully.
Stir in the sugar and 6 cups of cold water until the sugar is fully dissolved.
Refrigerate the tea for at least 4 hours to chill and allow flavors to meld.
Serve over ice and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Yield: 8 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes

Variations

Add fresh lemon slices or mint leaves for a citrusy, aromatic twist.
Use brown sugar or honey for a different sweetness profile.
Make it herbal or caffeine-free by substituting black tea with rooibos or herbal tea.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover sweet tea in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Serve chilled; reheating is not recommended as it’s best enjoyed cold.

FAQs

1. Can I use iced tea bags instead of hot water?

It’s best to steep tea in boiling water for full flavor extraction.

2. How much sugar can I adjust?

Feel free to add more or less sugar according to your taste.

3. What kind of tea bags are ideal?

Traditional black tea bags (like Lipton or Luzianne) work best for authentic Southern Sweet Tea.

4. Why is baking soda added?

It softens the water and reduces bitterness, resulting in smoother tea.

5. Can I make it sugar-free?

Yes, substitute sugar with sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit.

6. How long does this tea keep?

Refrigerated properly, it keeps for about 3 days.

7. Can I add lemon juice?

Yes, lemon juice adds a refreshing tang, but add just before serving to avoid curdling.

8. Is this recipe caffeine-free?

No, black tea contains caffeine; use herbal teas for caffeine-free versions.

9. Can I make a smaller batch?

Yes, simply halve or quarter the ingredients proportionally.

10. How do I prevent tea from getting bitter?

Avoid over-steeping; remove tea bags after 15 minutes.

Conclusion

Southern Sweet Tea is a timeless, refreshing beverage that’s easy to make and perfect for warm weather. Its balanced sweetness and smooth tea flavor make it a family favorite and a staple at summer gatherings. Enjoy a chilled glass anytime you need a thirst-quenching pick-me-up.

Southern Sweet Tea

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Southern Sweet Tea is a smooth, refreshing classic drink, perfect for hot summer days. It’s easy to prepare a whole pitcher in just 20 minutes, then chill for a few hours before serving to enjoy a sweet, cooling beverage.

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Beverage
Method: Steeping
Cuisine: Southern US
Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

2 cups boiling water

1 pinch baking soda

6 tea bags

¾ cup white sugar

6 cups cold water

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Instructions

In a large pot, combine boiling water, baking soda, and tea bags. Let steep for 15 minutes.
Remove the tea bags carefully.
Stir in the sugar and 6 cups of cold water until the sugar is fully dissolved.
Refrigerate the tea for at least 4 hours to chill and allow flavors to meld.
Serve over ice and enjoy!