Southern Sweet Tea Recipe

Little Figgy Food

4.86 from 7 votes

The classic Southern sweet tea recipe — perfectly brewed, perfectly sweet, and ready in 10 minutes. Made with black tea, sugar, and a pinch of baking soda for a smooth, never-bitter pitcher every time.

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 5

Total Time 10

Servings: 2 quarts

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American, Southern

Calories: 49

Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

1 pint of just boiled water
6 Lipton Black Tea bags
½ - ¾ cup sugar or to taste
1 lemon sliced (optional)
1 orange sliced (optional)
several sprigs of fresh mint optional
Pinch of baking soda
Ice
Cold water

Method

In a heat resistant large measuring cup (I use a 4 cup measuring cup), add the Lipton Black Tea bags and sugar, then pour over with freshly boiled water. Add a pinch of baking soda. Allow to brew for about 5 - 8 minutes. This will make your 1 pint of concentrate.
In a large 2 quart pitcher, first add the ice until about 1/2 to 3/4 full. If using a glass pitcher, don't forget the metal spoon to keep your glass from cracking.
Slowly pour the tea concentrate over the ice.
Add in the lemon and orange slices, plus the mint if using.
Top up with more cold, filtered water.
Serve over ice and enjoy.

Nutrition

Serving: 8ouncesCalories: 49kcalCarbohydrates: 13gSodium: 14mgFiber: 1gSugar: 11g

Notes

Sweet Tea Variations

Sweet tea is a forgiving canvas. Once you have the base down, it's easy to make it your own.

Citrus swaps. Lemon is the classic, but limes work just as well if that's what you have on hand. A little more tart, a little less expected, and just as refreshing.

Stone fruit and berries. Replace the citrus altogether with sliced peaches, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, or a mixture of whatever looks good at the market. Georgia peaches in summer are hard to beat. A handful of berries turns the whole pitcher a beautiful color too.

Herb variations. Mint is the crowd favorite, though I know it has its skeptics. Lemon verbena or lemon balm are quieter alternatives with a lovely floral quality that pairs really nicely with black tea.

Honey instead of sugar. Swap the sugar for honey to taste if you prefer a more rounded, less sharp sweetness. Start with a little less than you think you need and adjust from there.

Flavored simple syrups. Stirring in one of my flavored simple syrups is a great way to mix things up seasonally. A lavender syrup in summer or a cinnamon one come fall.

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