Sweet Iced Tea (Southern Style)

This Sweet Iced Tea recipe will teach you how to make the perfect pitcher of refreshing tea that’s perfect for hot summer days or anytime of year.

Sweetened tea is quintessentially Southern and just about every kitchen down here has a pitcher chilling in the refrigerator at all times. Dolly Parton once described iced tea as “the house wine of the South”. Y’all it’s true. No matter the occasion, time of year, or venue we serve iced tea. 

To make Sweet Ice Tea you will need: 

• 3 family-sized tea bags 
• 3 cups of water for boiling
• 2 cups sugar 
• 3-4 additional cups of water
• and 1/8 teaspoon baking soda or just a pinch

How to make Sweet Tea?

1. Begin by bringing three cups of water to a boil in a large sauce pan, Once the water is boiling  remove pan from heat.
2. Drop in the tea bags and let them steep for five minutes.
3. Discard teabags and stir in sugar until dissolved. Stirring the sugar into warm water helps it completely dissolve. 
4. Stir in baking soda 
5. Transfer mixture from sauce pan to pitcher and then add in the remains 3-4 cups of water.

Why do you add a pinch of baking soda to sweet tea?

Adding just a pinch of baking soda to sweet tea helps to take away the bitterness of the tannins found in black tea giving it a smoother, sweeter flavor. 

What are tannins?

I wondered this myself of I Googled it. Tannins are natural compounds found in plant foods that are responsible for the flavor and color. It can be found in unripe fruit, wines, and tea leaves. 

So. now you know the secrets to making the perfect pitcher fo Sweet Iced Tea. Of course no glass of tea is complete without the perfect compliment. I recommend a slice of lemon or a fresh sprig of mint. 

Pour yourself a glass of this delicious tea and have a seat and enjoy few a minutes just relaxing and enjoying life. 

Looking for more tea recipes?

Starbucks Passion Tea Lemonade 

Easy Raspberry Mango Honey Tea

Happy Sippin’ Y’all!

Susanne

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Sweet Iced Tea

This Sweet Iced Tea Recipe will teach you how to make the perfect pitcher refreshing of tea that’s perfect for hot summer days or anytime or year.

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Keyword iced tea

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Refrigerate 1 hour

Total Time 15 minutes

Servings 8 glasses

Calories 194 kcal

Susanne Susanne

Ingredients

• 3 family-sized tea bags
• 3 cups of water for boiling
• 2 cups sugar
• 3 cups water
• and 1/8 teaspoon baking soda or just a pinch

Instructions

1. Begin by bringing three cups of water to a boil in a large sauce pan, Once the water is boiling  remove pan from heat.
2. Drop in the tea bags and let them steep for five minutes.
3. Discard teabags and stir in sugar until dissolved. Stirring the sugar into warm water helps it completely dissolve.
4. Stir in baking soda
5. Transfer mixture from sauce pan to pitcher and then add in the remains 3-4 cups of water.

6. Serve over ice and garnish with lemon slices or fresh mint if desired

Nutrition Facts

Sweet Iced Tea

Amount Per Serving (8 oz)

Calories 194

% Daily Value*

Sodium 9mg0%

Carbohydrates 50g17%

Sugar 50g56%

Calcium 5mg1%

Iron 1mg6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.