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Nothing says summer quite like a big glass of classic sweet tea.
This old-fashioned Southern sweet tea recipe is simple, refreshing, and perfect for hot afternoons, backyard barbecues, porch sitting, brunches, and family gatherings.
Made with black tea, sugar, and cold water, this easy homemade sweet tea has the perfect balance of bold tea flavor and sweetness.
Tap to jump right to recipe.Serve it over ice with lemon slices or fresh mint for a refreshing summer drink everyone loves.
Browse all of my easy iced tea recipes and other summer drinks including sweet tea, cold brew tea, fruity iced teas, floral teas, and herbal summer drink ideas.
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Why You’ll Love This Sweet Tea Recipe
- Easy to make with simple ingredients
- Perfect for summer parties and cookouts
- Refreshing and budget-friendly
- Easy to customize with lemon, mint, or fruit
- Great for brunches, holidays, and backyard entertaining
Ingredients
- 8 cups water, divided
- 4 family-size black tea bags
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- Ice for serving
- Lemon slices and fresh mint (optional)
How to Make Classic Sweet Tea
Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan.
Remove from heat and add the tea bags. Let the tea steep for about 10 minutes depending on how strong you like your tea.
Remove the tea bags and stir in the sugar while the tea is still hot. Stir until completely dissolved.
Pour the sweet tea concentrate into a large pitcher and add the remaining 4 cups of cold water.
Refrigerate until chilled.
Serve over ice with lemon slices or fresh mint if desired.
Tips for the Best Sweet Tea
Do not squeeze the tea bags after steeping because it can make the tea taste bitter.
Adjust the sugar to your preference. Traditional Southern sweet tea is fairly sweet, but you can reduce the sugar if you prefer a lighter version.
For extra flavor, add lemon slices, peaches, strawberries, or fresh mint to the pitcher before serving.
Flavor Variations
This classic sweet tea recipe is easy to customize.
Try adding:
- Fresh peach slices
- Strawberries or raspberries
- Mint leaves
- Lemon juice
- Honey instead of sugar
- Half lemonade for an Arnold Palmer
What to Serve with Sweet Tea
Sweet tea pairs perfectly with:
- Tea sandwiches
- Brunch casseroles
- Summer salads
- Barbecue and cookout foods
- Strawberry desserts
- Lemon bars and cookies
More Iced Tea Recipes
It’s especially perfect for bridal showers, baby showers, garden parties, and summer holiday gatherings.
- 8 cups water divided
- 4 family-size black tea bags
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- Ice for serving
- Lemon slices and fresh mint optional
-
Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan.
-
Remove from heat and add the tea bags. Steep for 10 minutes.
-
Remove the tea bags and stir in the sugar until completely 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 with lemon slices and fresh mint if desired.
Do not squeeze the tea bags or the tea may become bitter.
Adjust the sugar to taste for a sweeter or lighter tea.
Delicious with lemon, peaches, strawberries, or fresh mint added to the pitcher.
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make sweet tea ahead of time?
Yes. Sweet tea can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.
What tea is best for sweet tea?
Classic black tea works best. Lipton family-size tea bags are a popular traditional option.
How do I keep sweet tea from getting cloudy?
Avoid pouring very hot tea directly over ice. Let the tea cool slightly before refrigerating.
This classic sweet tea recipe is refreshing, simple, and perfect for summer entertaining. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, brunch, holiday cookout, or relaxing on the porch, homemade sweet tea is always a favorite.
Follow my summer drinks board on Pinterest.
