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How to make the perfect Southern Sweet Tea. This simple recipe uses black tea and sugar to create a refreshing drink for hot summer days. Easy to make and perfect for your next summer BBQ. Refreshing, sweet, and served with a lemon wedge.

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As the Summer temps are rising, it’s more important than ever to stay hydrated! Picture yourself with a Stanley tumbler loaded with ice and cold sweet tea on a hot day. Does anything sound more refreshing?

Enter the quintessential Southern Sweet Tea—a staple for any family gathering and a personal favorite of mine. Having lived in Southern Mississippi and Southern Alabama after college, I’ve tasted my fair share of sweet teas, and McAllister Deli’s sweet tea holds a special place in my heart. 

Today, I’m sharing my tried-and-true Southern Sweet Tea recipe that will have your family and friends coming back for more. 

Why Southern Sweet Tea?

Southern Sweet Tea, which Dolly Parton in Steel Magnolias once referred to as the “house wine of the South,” is more than just a beverage; it’s a tradition. It’s the perfect drink for hot summer days, providing a refreshing and sweet escape from the heat. Made with simple ingredients like black tea, sugar, and water, this recipe is easy to whip up and requires minimal effort, making it ideal for anyone short on time.

Southern Sweet Tea Recipe Ingredients

• 1 gallon of hot water
• 10 single black tea bags (3 family-sized tea bags work too)
• 2 cups of granulated sugar
• Lemon wedge for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Sweet Base: Pour 2 cups of sugar into a 1-gallon size pitcher.

Brew the Tea: Fill your gallon pitcher with hot water and add 10 single black tea bags. Allow the tea to steep for 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on your desired strength.

Combine and Sweeten: Squeeze excess tea from the tea bags, then remove and discard them. Using a slotted spoon, stir the tea until the sugar is completely dissolved.

Cool and Serve: Refrigerate the tea overnight for the best flavor. Serve over ice with lemon wedges for a refreshing touch.

Recipe Notes

• This homemade sweet tea will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. If it becomes cloudy, it’s a sign that the tea is old.
• If you don’t plan to serve the tea over ice, reduce the sugar to 1 ½ cups to avoid an overly sweet taste as the tea sits in the fridge.
• For a twist, you can experiment with adding a bit of lemon juice for a citrusy kick or using brown sugar for a richer flavor.

Perfect for Any Occasion

This Southern Sweet Tea is perfect for various gatherings. Here are a few occasions where it shines:

• Summer BBQs: Cool down with a glass of this sweet tea, the perfect complement to grilled foods.
• Family Picnics: Easy to transport and loved by all ages, this tea is a picnic must-have.
• Holiday Gatherings: Add a Southern touch to your holiday parties with this classic beverage.
• Office Parties: Impress your colleagues with a pitcher of homemade sweet tea.

Tips for the Perfect Southern Sweet Tea Recipe

• Tea Bags: Luzianne tea bags are a popular choice for a reason—they brew a strong and smooth tea perfect for sweet tea recipes.
• Water Quality: Use filtered water for the best taste. Tap water can sometimes affect the flavor of the tea.
• Sugar: Adjust the amount of sugar to your personal preference. For a less sweet version, use 1.5  cups of sugar.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I make diet sweet tea? To make a lower sugar version, substitute the sugar with a zero-calorie sweetener like stevia or Splenda. Adjust the sweetness to your preference. Splenda replaces 1:1 with sugar. (Psttt….Splenda is our family’s preferred sweet tea sweetener !)

2. What is the best way to store sweet tea? Store sweet tea in the refrigerator in a tightly sealed container. It stays fresh for 2-3 days.

3. Why shouldn’t sun tea be made for food safety reasons? Sun tea can encourage the growth of bacteria due to its low brewing temperature. It’s safer to brew tea using hot water.

4. Can I use green tea instead of black tea? Absolutely! Green tea can be a refreshing alternative to black tea. Just follow the same steeping instructions.

5. How can I make Sweet Tea ice cubes? Pour any leftover sweet tea into ice cube trays. Freeze overnight and pop them into a freezer bag. The next time you have sweet tea, pour your tea over the ice cubes in a tall glass and use them to avoid watering down your amazing sweet tea!

Whether you’re a Southern girl at heart or just love a good glass of iced tea, this Southern Sweet Tea recipe will become your beverage of choice for any gathering. Enjoy the sweet, refreshing taste of the South in every sip!

With this easy recipe and some simple tips, you’ll be making the best Southern Sweet Tea in no time. It’s a delightful, refreshing drink that’s sure to be a hit at your next summer BBQ or any gathering.

Cheers to sweet tea and sweet moments!

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