There’s nothing like a cold glass of homemade sweet tea!
It’s smooth, refreshing, and perfectly sweet.
If you’ve only had store-bought, trust me—making it from scratch is a game-changer.
This gallon recipe is super easy, and you can adjust the sweetness just how you like it.
Let’s make a big pitcher and bring a little Southern charm to your kitchen!
What You’ll Need
- 4 family-size black tea bags (like Lipton or Luzianne)
- 1 gallon (16 cups) of water
- 1 ½ to 2 cups granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda (optional, for smoothness)
- Ice for serving
- Lemon slices or mint (optional, for garnish)
Pro Tips
- Use Baking Soda for Smoothness – Just a tiny pinch helps cut any bitterness and makes the tea extra smooth.
- Don’t Boil the Tea Bags – Let them steep in hot water, not boiling, to avoid a bitter taste.
- Adjust the Sugar – Start with 1 ½ cups, then taste and add more if you like it sweeter.
- Chill Before Serving – Sweet tea tastes best when it’s ice-cold, so make it ahead if you can.
- Use Fresh Water – Good-quality water makes a difference in the flavor.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large pot
- Heatproof glass measuring cup or bowl
- Large spoon
- Gallon-size pitcher
- Long spoon for stirring
Substitutions & Variations
- Less Sugar? Use honey or a sugar substitute like stevia.
- Stronger Tea? Add an extra tea bag.
- Fruit-Infused? Add peach slices, berries, or orange peels while chilling.
- Iced Tea with a Kick? Mix with lemonade for an Arnold Palmer!
Make Ahead Tips
- Sweet tea stays fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make a batch the night before for the best flavor!
How to Make Homemade Sweet Tea
Step 1: Boil the Water
In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a near boil (but don’t let it fully boil).
Step 2: Steep the Tea
Remove the pot from heat, add the tea bags, and let them steep for 10-15 minutes.
Step 3: Sweeten the Tea
Remove tea bags and stir in sugar (start with 1 ½ cups) and baking soda, if using, while the tea is still warm. Stir until fully dissolved.
Step 4: Dilute & Chill
Pour the sweet tea concentrate into a gallon-size pitcher and add the remaining 12 cups of cold water. Stir well and refrigerate for at least an hour.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
Fill glasses with ice, pour the sweet tea, and garnish with lemon slices or fresh mint if you like.
Leftovers & Storage
- Store sweet tea in the fridge for up to 3 days in a covered pitcher.
- Avoid leaving it at room temperature for too long—it can ferment!
- If it tastes too strong after chilling, add a little more cold water.
Time to Make Some Tea!
Now that you know how easy it is, you’ll never go back to store-bought again!
This homemade sweet tea is perfect for family dinners, backyard BBQs, or just sipping on a hot day.
Give it a try and let me know how you like it in the comments! 🍹😊
