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Sweet Tea Recipe

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3.9 from 12 reviews

Classic Southern Sweet Tea is a refreshing, lightly sweetened iced tea brewed with black tea bags, sugar, and a hint of lemon juice for a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess. This easy-to-make beverage is ideal for serving at gatherings, barbecues, or any warm day refreshment.

Ingredients

Tea Base

  • 3 cups water (310 ml)
  • 6 black tea bags
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ⅛ teaspoon baking soda

To Dilute and Serve

  • 5 cups cold water (1.2 L)
  • ¼ cup lemon juice (optional, fresh-squeezed preferred)

Instructions

  1. Heat Sugar Mixture: Combine 3 cups of water, sugar, and baking soda in a medium-sized saucepan over medium-high heat. Heat the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a boil.
  2. Remove from Heat: Once boiling, immediately remove the saucepan from heat to prevent overcooking.
  3. Steep Tea Bags: Add the 6 black tea bags to the hot sugar-water mixture and steep for 10 minutes, allowing the tea to infuse fully without scorching or bitterness. After steeping, carefully lift the tea bags without squeezing, and discard them.
  4. Transfer Tea: Pour the concentrated tea into a large pitcher ready for dilution.
  5. Add Lemon and Cold Water: Add the lemon juice if using, then pour in the remaining 5 cups of cold water to dilute the tea to the perfect strength. Stir well to combine all flavors evenly.
  6. Chill and Serve: The sweet tea can be served immediately over ice for instant refreshment or stored in the refrigerator for several hours to chill thoroughly. Always stir before pouring to redistribute any settled ingredients.

Notes

  • Do not squeeze the tea bags after steeping to avoid bitterness.
  • The baking soda helps reduce bitterness and smooths the flavor of the tea.
  • Adjust sugar amount based on your preferred sweetness level.
  • Lemon juice is optional but adds a fresh, bright note to the tea.
  • For stronger tea, add an extra tea bag during steeping.
  • Store the sweet tea covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Find it online: https://simpleplatter.com/sweet-tea-recipe/