Description
This classic Sweet Tea recipe delivers a perfectly balanced, refreshing beverage that’s ideal for any occasion. Made by steeping tea bags in boiling water and sweetened with granulated sugar, this Southern staple is quick to prepare and can be served chilled with fresh lemon slices and ice for a delightful, cool drink.
Ingredients
Scale
Tea Base
- 6 cups water (for boiling)
- 3 (0.25 ounce/7g) tea bags (black tea recommended)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 cups cold water (for diluting)
For Serving
- Sliced fresh lemon
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Boil Water: Add the initial 6 cups of water into a medium saucepan and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Steep Tea: Turn off the burner, add the tea bags, and steep for 3 minutes, gently stirring occasionally. For a stronger tea, steep an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute but avoid over-steeping to prevent bitterness from tannins.
- Sweeten Tea: Remove the tea bags, then gradually stir in the granulated sugar until fully dissolved, adjusting sweetness to your preference.
- Cool Tea: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the sweetened tea cool for about 20 minutes.
- Mix and Chill: Pour the cooled tea into a pitcher, add the remaining 6 cups of cold water, and refrigerate until ready to serve. Add ice and lemon slices either immediately if serving soon or about one hour before serving if prepared ahead.
Notes
- Use good quality black tea bags for the best flavor.
- Do not over-steep tea bags to avoid bitterness.
- Adjust sugar quantity to suit your taste preference.
- Adding lemon and ice just before serving keeps the tea fresh without diluting the flavor prematurely.
- This recipe yields approximately 3/4 gallon (12 cups) of sweet tea.
