Southern sweet tea is more than just a drink—it’s a tradition.
It’s the kind of thing you sip on a front porch, share at family cookouts, and always have ready in the fridge.
This recipe is simple, smooth, and perfectly sweet.
If you’ve never made homemade sweet tea before, don’t worry—I’ve got all the tips you need to make it just right!
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- 4 cups water (for boiling)
- 4 black tea bags (Lipton or Luzianne work great)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 4 more cups cold water
- Ice cubes (for serving)
- Lemon slices (optional)
- Fresh mint (optional)
Tools
- Medium saucepan
- Large heatproof pitcher
- Long spoon for stirring
- Measuring cup
- Tea bag tongs or spoon
Pro Tips for the Best Sweet Tea
- Don’t over-steep the tea – More than 5 minutes can make it bitter.
- Dissolve the sugar while the tea is hot – This ensures the sweetness blends perfectly.
- Use filtered water – It makes the tea taste extra fresh and smooth.
- Chill before serving – Ice alone won’t cool it enough. Let it rest in the fridge first.
- Try honey or simple syrup – For a fun twist, swap sugar for honey or a homemade syrup.
How to Make Southern Sweet Tea
Step 1: Boil the Water
In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil over medium heat.
Step 2: Steep the Tea
Remove the pan from heat. Add 4 black tea bags, making sure they are fully submerged. Let them steep for 5 minutes.
Step 3: Sweeten the Tea
Carefully remove the tea bags and discard them. While the tea is still hot, stir in ¾ cup of granulated sugar until fully dissolved.
Step 4: Add Cold Water
Pour the sweet tea into a large heatproof pitcher and add 4 more cups of cold water to balance the flavor.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Let the tea cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least an hour. Serve over ice with lemon slices and fresh mint if you like.
Substitutions & Variations
- Less sugar? Try ½ cup instead of ¾ for a lighter sweetness.
- Stronger tea? Add an extra tea bag for a bolder flavor.
- Flavored tea? Try peach or raspberry tea bags for a fruity twist.
- No black tea? Green tea works too, just steep for 3 minutes instead.
Leftovers & Storage
- Keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days in a sealed pitcher.
- Don’t store with lemon slices—they can turn the tea bitter over time.
- For best flavor, shake or stir before serving.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats a cold glass of homemade sweet tea!
It’s easy, refreshing, and perfect for any occasion.
Try it out and let me know how it turns out—leave a comment with your favorite way to serve sweet tea! 🍋🥤
