5 from 24 votes
Southern Iced Sweet Tea
Southern Iced Sweet Tea is a classic cold beverage made by steeping strong black tea and sweetening it with sugar. The tea is brewed intensely then cooled with additional cold water, resulting in a refreshing drink with a balanced sweetness and robust tea flavor. Luzianne tea is recommended, but any preferred brand works.
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings:
8
servings
Calories:
97 kcal
Course:
Drinks
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 2 quarts water divided, cold
- 2 tea bag or 8 regular size tea bags or 8 teaspoons of loose tea (recommend Luzianne brand, family size
- 1 cup sugar
Instructions
- Place one quart of water in a pan and bring to a boil. Add the tea bags.
- Cover the pan, remove it from the heat and let it steep for 10-15 minutes.
- Remove the tea bags and add the sugar.
- Stir until completely dissolved.
- Add the additional quart of cold water.
- Stir well.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Use any black tea brand you prefer; Luzianne is traditional in the Southern US for its distinct flavor.
- Begin with cold water and use a non-reactive pan to maintain tea clarity and taste.
- Allow the hot tea to cool to room temperature before refrigerating to protect your glass pitcher.
- Steeping time is important: 10-15 minutes off the heat yields a strong, smooth brew.
- Sweeten with sugar or substitute an artificial sweetener as desired.
- Store chilled tea in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Nutrition Information
Serving
1
Calories
97kcal
(5%)
Carbohydrates
25g
(8%)
Sodium
12mg
(1%)
Potassium
1mg
(0%)
Sugar
25g
(50%)
Calcium
7mg
(1%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 8 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 97
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1 | |
| Calories | 97kcal | 5% |
| Carbohydrates | 25g | 8% |
| Sodium | 12mg | 1% |
| Potassium | 1mg | 0% |
| Sugar | 25g | 50% |
| Calcium | 7mg | 1% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.