Description
A classic Southern-style sweet tea that’s smooth, refreshing, and perfectly sweetened, making it an ideal homemade drink for warm days and family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 8 cups water, divided
- 4 black tea bags
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- Ice cubes, for serving
- Lemon slices, for garnish (optional)
- Fresh mint leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Bring 4 cups of water to a gentle boil in a saucepan.
- Remove from heat and add tea bags and baking soda.
- Let the tea steep for about 10 minutes.
- Remove the tea bags and stir in the sugar while the tea is still warm until fully dissolved.
- Pour the tea concentrate into a large pitcher.
- Add the remaining 4 cups of cold water and stir well.
- Refrigerate until chilled.
- Serve over ice and garnish with lemon slices or mint leaves if desired.
Notes
- Baking soda helps reduce bitterness and smooths the tea flavor.
- Adjust sugar amount based on personal preference.
- Add fresh fruit like peaches or berries for variation.
- Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Add extra cold water if the tea becomes too strong after chilling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 90 kcal
- Sugar: 23 g
- Sodium: 20 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
