Southern Sweet Iced Tea
Granny's sweet tea is no joke—super sweet! Pa-Paw would down 2-3 glasses after a long day in the garden. If you can't handle the sugar, tread lightly. This recipe is for true southerners only!
Steps for Southern Sweet Iced Tea
Here's a step-by-step instructions for making Southern Sweet Iced Tea:
- In a large glass measuring cup, place the tea bags and add the baking soda.
- Pour the boiling water over the tea bags.
- Cover and steep for 15 minutes.
- Take out the tea bags and do not squeeze them.
- Pour the tea mixture into a 2-quart pitcher; add the sugar.
- Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
- Add in the cold water.
- Let cool; chill in the refrigerator and serve over ice.
Why you'll love Southern Sweet Iced Tea
- Refreshing Flavor: Southern Sweet Iced Tea offers a delightful balance of sweetness and tea flavor, making it a perfect refreshment for hot summer days. The combination of brewed black tea and sugar creates a smooth, invigorating drink that quenches thirst and provides a comforting taste of tradition.
- Cultural Significance: This beverage is a beloved staple in Southern cuisine, often associated with hospitality and social gatherings. Serving Southern Sweet Iced Tea is a way to bring people together, making it a central part of family gatherings, barbecues, and community events, reflecting the warmth and friendliness of Southern culture.
- Customizable Variations: Southern Sweet Iced Tea can be easily customized to suit individual preferences. Whether you prefer it with a hint of lemon, fresh mint, or even flavored syrups, the base recipe allows for creativity, enabling drinkers to enjoy a personalized twist on this classic beverage while still savoring its foundational sweetness and tea essence.
Southern Sweet Iced Tea
Ingredients
- 6 regular tea bags
- 1⁄8 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 cups boiling water
- 1 1⁄2 - 2 cups sugar
- 6 cups cold water
Instructions
-
In a large glass measuring cup, place the tea bags and add the baking soda.
-
Pour the boiling water over the tea bags.
-
Cover and steep for 15 minutes.
-
Take out the tea bags and do not squeeze them.
-
Pour the tea mixture into a 2-quart pitcher; add the sugar.
-
Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
-
Add in the cold water.
-
Let cool; chill in the refrigerator and serve over ice.
Notes
- Use high-quality black tea, such as orange pekoe or English breakfast, and brew it with boiling water for a strong flavor; remember to add sugar while the tea is still hot to ensure it dissolves completely, creating that signature sweet taste that Southern iced tea is known for.
- Allow the brewed tea to cool down to room temperature before refrigerating it, and serve it over ice with fresh lemon slices or mint for an authentic Southern experience; the key is to balance the sweetness with a hint of acidity from the citrus, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
