Sweet Tea Recipe
Smooth Sweet Tea is a refreshing Southern classic, perfectly balanced with just the right sweetness. This easy-to-make iced tea recipe features brewed tea sweetened while hot and chilled to perfection, making it an ideal cold beverage for hot summer days.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 3 hrs 20 mins
- Yield: 8 cups (7 servings)
- Category: Beverage
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients
Tea Base
- 1 pinch baking soda
- 2 cups boiling water
- 6 tea bags
Sweetener & Dilution
- ¾ cup white sugar
- 6 cups cool water
Instructions
- Prepare the Pitcher: Sprinkle a pinch of baking soda into a 64-ounce, heat-proof glass pitcher. This helps to smooth out the tea’s flavor and reduce bitterness.
- Brew the Tea: Pour the boiling water over the baking soda in the pitcher, then add the 6 tea bags. Cover and allow the tea to steep for 15 minutes to extract full flavor.
- Sweeten the Tea: Remove the tea bags and discard them. Stir in ¾ cup of white sugar while the tea is still hot, ensuring it dissolves completely for even sweetness.
- Dilute and Chill: Pour in 6 cups of cool water to dilute the tea to the perfect strength. Refrigerate the mixture until it is thoroughly chilled, about 3 hours.
- Serve: Enjoy the smooth sweet tea served over ice for a classic, refreshing drink on a hot day.
Notes
- Adding baking soda helps mellow the tea’s natural bitterness and creates a smoother flavor.
- Use your favorite black tea variety—classic, Earl Grey, or even flavored teas work well.
- Adjust the sugar amount to taste if you prefer a sweeter or less sweet tea.
- This tea is best served cold and consumed within 3–4 days for optimal freshness.
- For a twist, add lemon slices or fresh mint before serving.
Find it online: https://cookedbygrace.com/sweet-tea-recipe/
