Traditional Southern Iced Sweet Tea
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Traditional Southern Iced Sweet Tea
This Traditional Southern Iced Sweet Tea recipe is a refreshing home-brewed sweet tea made from black tea and boasts hints of lemon goodness and a whole lot of sweetness---just like they like it down South! This drink is perfect for any day regardless of the season! A true Southern staple, where conversations cannot exist without a good glass of sweet tea. Different Sweetener Options.
Traditional Southern Iced Sweet Tea --- One of the drinks that I cannot live without ---honestly. I've been so excited to share this recipe with you guys! For those of you that are in the South, I do hope that this recipe makes you proud! Haha.
I have created a few variations based on this recipe, Southern Strawberry Iced Sweet Tea for a little fruity goodness + Southern Peach Iced Tea because it's just such a classic flavor combo! If you've been following Orchids + Sweet Tea, then you know that I'm a Southern girl at heart (born + raised), so this cup of goodness brings back so many great memories and fun-in-the-sun moments.
This sweet tea is perfectly sweet without being overly sugary. It's great for BBQs or any summer gathering, easy to make and is a hit with both adults and kids! It's a total WIN WIN! If you're looking for more refreshing spring and summer drinks, try my Pink Lemonade, Southern Peach Iced Tea, or this Loaded Hibiscus Mocktail!
Jump to:
- What Is Southern Sweet Tea?
- Why You Will LOVE This Southern Iced Sweet Tea Recipe
- Why Is Sweet Tea A Southern Thing?
- How To Make Traditional Southern Iced Sweet Tea
- Ingredients
- Why Add Baking Soda to Sweet Tea?
- Why So Much Sugar? How Much Is Needed?
- Best Sweet Tea Store-bought Brand?
- Can I Add Alcohol?
- My Sweet Tea Is Too Sweet, Can I Fix It?
- Traditional Southern Iced Sweet Tea Q + A's
- More Southern Must-Try Recipes
- MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?
- Traditional Southern Iced Sweet Tea
What Is Southern Sweet Tea?
Much like Lemonade (for many people), this sweet tea is the epitome of a Spring, Summer, Fall, or Winter—– an all-around MUST HAVE in the South. Yes, ya’ll—it’s that serious!
Sweet tea is a beloved Southern classic made by brewing black tea and sweetening it with sugar while it's still hot. It's served cold and often flavored with fruits like lemon, peach or, in this case, strawberries.
Why You Will LOVE This Southern Iced Sweet Tea Recipe
- Classic Southern charm in every authentic, sweet sip.
- Perfectly balanced --- Not overly sweet, just right for sipping on a hot day.
- It’s super easy to make.
- Perfect for sipping on lazy afternoons or at backyard BBQs.
- A crowd-pleaser for kids + adults alike.
- Plus it literally goes with everything!
Why Is Sweet Tea A Southern Thing?
Considered a staple in Southern cuisine, sweet tea's "birthplace" is believed to have come about in St. Louis. It was here, at the World's Fair in 1904, that the oh-so-sweet southern-style sweet tea was born. And it is no surprise that Southerners grasped ahold of this sweet delicacy and mastered the recipe to transform it into a household staple.
How To Make Traditional Southern Iced Sweet Tea
For those who aren’t familiar, sweet tea is not just sugar and water with a tea bag. I know, CRAZY!
There’s a specific process: Steep the tea (the longer, the stronger the flavor). Mix in sugar (or your favorite sweetener) until it completely dissolves. Pour into a pitcher, add lemons for extra flavor, and chill completely before serving over ice. Sweet tea is always best served cold, so adding crushed ice to the pitcher or chilling it beforehand is a must!
Ingredients
SWEET TEA:
- Filtered water. This is the base of the sweet tea!
- Black tea bags. I like to use organic, but you can use whatever you have on hand!
- Brown sugar. You can also use agave, maple syrup or raw honey!
- Lemon juice. Freshly squeezed is best.
- Baking soda. My secret ingredient! This prevents it from becoming cloudy!
- Lemon slices. They add a nice visual touch when served in a pitcher.
- Crushed ice. Ice cubes also work fine.
SHOP MY FAVORITE TOOLS FOR DRINKS, ESPECIALLY FOR THIS RECIPE!
Here, I’ve curated a list of drinkware and mocktail essentials that I use to achieve my favorite drinking experiences, especially with this Southern Iced Sweet Tea. Everything from my fave glassware, blenders, ice cube trays, and more. SEE THEM HERE!
Why Add Baking Soda to Sweet Tea?
OK, so I know that this must be a shocker, but yes—you do add baking soda to sweet tea. Why? Whelp, although it seems super weird to do so, adding baking soda to your sweet tea prevents it from getting cloudy and bitter. If you’ve ever tried leaving your leftover sweet tea in the refrigerator for a few days, only to find out that after a day or so, it’s bitter and not as enjoyable—-then know that adding a small amount of baking soda does the trick!
In addition, just know that baking soda has health benefits as well, so it won’t harm you! For one, baking soda is great for helping with indigestion and acid reflux. Also, it’s great for keeping your mouth healthy among other benefits.
Why So Much Sugar? How Much Is Needed?
Yes, the major question here is—-what about all of that sugar? --- And how much do I need to add for optimal sweetness? Firstly, I’ll start by saying, there are plenty of sugar substitutes that can work for this recipe without compromising taste!
OTHER SWEETENER OPTIONS
- Organic cane sugar
- Stevia
- Monk fruit sugar
- Maple syrup (Just keep in mind the overall taste will change)
- Agave
- Raw honey
Overall, I start out with 1 cup of sweetener and then add additional to taste depending on how "fresh" tasting the sweet tea is after adding the steeped black tea mixture ----usually no more than an additional ½ cup.
Best Sweet Tea Store-bought Brand?
When searching for a big box of Lipton tea bags, I did notice that there were a ton of options available these days when it comes to flavor. They even have the Southern Sweet Tea mix, which makes things a lot easier for those who may not want to make it from scratch or just need a quick fix without the time.
But if you're looking for ready-made sweet teas that are the best, I've found that Milo's Sweet Tea is a great option that has been around for a long time. In addition, Sweet Leaf teas are really great as well.
Can I Add Alcohol?
If you’d like to make this fruity drink a boozy cocktail-like sweet tea, go for it! You can add a shot of liquor, like tequila, bourbon, rum or vodka in each glass of ice. Then pour and serve! Or you can add it completely to the entire pitcher if desired. Just remember to balance the alcohol amount to achieve the desired taste + potency.
My Sweet Tea Is Too Sweet, Can I Fix It?
No sweat! If its too sweet, just toss in more water or lemon juice. When you pour it over ice, it tends to thin out quicker. Also, remember, it tastes way sweeter when it's warm compared to when it's ice-cold. So, before you go adding more water, give it a chill over some ice and see if it hits the spot. You might find it's just right!
Traditional Southern Iced Sweet Tea Q + A's
Keep any leftovers in the refrigerator, tightly covered in your pitcher, or in a sealed mason jar (for smaller leftover amounts). Best if consumed within a few days.
Absolutely! This recipe lets you fine-tune the sweetness to your preference, ensuring a customized delight.
To serve, pour the chilled sweet tea over ice, letting its refreshing flavors shine. For an extra touch, consider adding optional garnishes like citrus slices or mint sprigs either directly into the pitcher or to each glass upon serving.
When you're in a pinch yes you can! But save it as a last resort. Fresh lemon juice gives the best flavor!
Yes, Sweet Tea can eventually develop a sour taste. Adding baking soda helps extend its freshness, but it will still eventually "go off." It's best to consume Sweet Tea within 48 hours of making it. Always store it in the refrigerator.
More Southern Must-Try Recipes
If you enjoyed this recipe, make sure to add these irresistible drinks to your "must-make next" list!
- Refreshing Pink Lemonade
- Ultra-Creamy Southern Cheese Grits
- Southern Salted Caramel Cake
- Classic Southern Banana Pudding
- Southern Caprese Biscuit Breakfast Strata
- Chicken Pot Pie
- Strawberry Sweet Rolls
MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?
If you tried this Traditional Southern Iced Sweet Tea recipe or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. And don't forget to tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea! I love hearing from you!
Traditional Southern Iced Sweet Tea
Ingredients
SWEET TEA:
- 2 quarts filtered water, divided
- 8 organic black tea bags (You can use 8 tsps of loose tea, if desired)
- 1 cup organic brown sugar (See Notes!)
- l lemon, freshly-squeezed (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda (See Notes!)
GARNISH:
- Lemons slices or halved
Instructions
BREW THE BLACK TEA:
- Start by adding 1 quart of water to a large pot over high heat and bringing it to a boil. Add your tea bags to the boiling water and let it continue to boil for another 1-2 minutes. Turn off heat and let tea bags continue to steep for 15-20 minutes. Stir in the brown sugar until dissolved. NOTE: The longer that the tea bags steep, the stronger the flavor. You can let them steep up to 30 minutes before it begins to get bitter. Discard the tea bags.
- Let the mixture cool completely, about 1 hour or so.
ASSEMBLE + CHILL:
- In a pitcher, add steeped tea mixture, lemon juice, baking soda, remaining water, stirring together until combined. Next, refrigerate immediately to keep it cold, about 30 minutes to an hour.
- Once sweet tea has chilled considerably, serve by pouring sweet tea into prepared glass(es) filled with ice and adding lemon slices or halves, if desired.
- Sip and enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
- STORAGE: Keep any leftovers in the refrigerator, tightly covered in your pitcher or in a sealed mason jar (for smaller leftover amounts). Best if consumed within a few days.
- SWEETENER: You can always use pure cane sugar, allulose, stevia, or honey instead of brown sugar.
- BAKING SODA: Adding baking soda to your sweet tea prevents it from getting cloudy and bitter. If you've ever tried leaving your leftover sweet tea in the refrigerator for a few days, only to find out that after a day or so, it's bitter and not as enjoyable----then know that adding a small amount of baking soda does the trick!
Nutrition
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LET US KNOW!
Delicious Recipe, drinking this tea during the hot summer season would be a refreshing and delicious one gonna try.
Hi! Yes, I so agree----super refreshing! Thanks so much! 🙂
Top off the pitchers with water. Add 3 more quarts of water to the tea base to make a gallon of sweet tea and stir to combine.
I love making a big batch of ice tea to sip on all day long, this recipe sounds so delicious!
There's nothing better than a glass of refreshing tea during the summer and this one hits the spot! We've always been a huge Lipton fan!
I couldn't agree more, Kiim!
My family loves sweet tea! Such a great classic recipe and summertime fav!
I'm so with ya, Tisha!
Perfect summer refreshment. I love sweet tea!
I love iced tea! Looks and sounds so delicious and perfect on hot summer days!
Yes, me too Natalie! Thanks so much!