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A glass of Southern sweet tea with ice and lemon on a rustic table

Southern Sweet Tea

A refreshing Southern beverage that combines sweetened tea and warmth, perfect for any gathering.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Beverage, Non-Alcoholic Drink
Cuisine American, Southern
Servings 6 servings
Calories 90 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 4 cups water For boiling; adjust based on desired batch size
  • 4 tablespoons black tea leaves or tea bags Use quality tea for best flavor
  • 1 cup granulated sugar Adjust sweetness to taste

Optional Garnishes

  • 1-2 slices lemon For garnish
  • Fresh mint leaves For garnish
HOMECOOKIN Slow Cooker, Extra Large 10 Quart Digital Programmable Slow Cookers with Timer
Ninja Air Fryer with Air Crisp | 5 QT Capacity fits up to 4lbs of Fries | 4-in-1 Pro
Instant Pot 6QT VORTEX Plus Air Fryer, 6-in-1
Cuisinart Stand Mixer, 12 Speed, 5.5 Quart Stainless Steel Bowl, Chef’s Whisk, Mixing Paddle, Dough Hook, Splash Guard w/ Pour Spout, White Linen, SM-50NAS, Manual

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Boil 4 cups of water in a medium-sized pot.
  • Once the water reaches a rolling boil, remove it from the heat.
  • Add the black tea leaves or tea bags to the hot water. Cover the pot and let it steep for about 5-10 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea.
  • After steeping, remove the tea leaves or bags and stir in the granulated sugar while the tea is still warm. Stir until fully dissolved.
  • Allow the tea to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate it for at least one hour or until chilled.

Serving

  • Serve the sweet tea over ice and add lemon slices or fresh mint leaves if desired.

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Notes

To maintain freshness, store sweet tea in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. Sweet tea can last longer when frozen in ice cube trays.
Keyword Iced Tea, Refreshing Drink, Southern Hospitality, Summer Beverage, Sweet Tea