Southern Sweet Tea is a staple at cookouts, Sunday dinners, family gatherings, and backyard BBQs. This classic recipe is smooth, refreshing, and perfectly sweet with just the right amount of tea flavor.
Serve it ice cold for the ultimate Southern experience.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
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Classic Southern recipe
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Perfectly sweet
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Easy to make
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Great for parties
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Refreshing and smooth
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Perfect with cookout food
Ingredients
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8 cups water, divided
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4 family-size black tea bags
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1 cup granulated sugar
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Ice
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Lemon slices for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Brew the Tea
Bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
Remove from heat and add tea bags.
Steep for 10 minutes.
Remove tea bags.
Step 2: Sweeten
While the tea is still hot, stir in sugar until completely dissolved.
Step 3: Finish
Pour tea into a large pitcher.
Add remaining 4 cups cold water.
Stir well.
Step 4: Chill
Refrigerate until cold.
Step 5: Serve
Fill glasses with ice.
Pour sweet tea over ice and garnish with lemon slices if desired.
Tips For The Best Sweet Tea
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Use family-size tea bags for richer flavor.
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Sweeten while the tea is hot.
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Do not squeeze the tea bags.
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Chill thoroughly before serving.
What To Serve With Southern Sweet Tea
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BBQ Ribs
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Fried Chicken
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Pulled Pork
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Burgers
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Potato Salad
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Macaroni Salad
Storage
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
More Summer Drink Recipes You'll Love
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Homemade Lemonade
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Strawberry Lemonade
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Pink Lemonade
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Peach Lemonade
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Watermelon Lemonade
Final Thoughts
This Southern Sweet Tea is sweet, smooth, and incredibly refreshing. It's the perfect drink for summer cookouts, family gatherings, and backyard BBQs.