5.0 from 93 votes
Sweet Tea
My sweet tea recipe uses a special secret ingredient for the BEST flavor! It comes together in just 15 minutes and can be enjoyed right away--no waiting required. Recipe includes a how-to video!
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
15 mins
Servings: 8 servings (1 cup per serving)
Calories: 98 kcal
Course:
Drinks
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 8 cups water divided
- 6 black tea bags
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ cup lemon juice optional (fresh-squeezed preferred)
Instructions
- Combine 3 cups of water (310ml), sugar, and baking soda in a medium-sized saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally, then immediately remove from heat.
- Add tea bags and steep for 10 minutes. Lift tea bags from the tea and allow them to drip (don’t squeeze), then discard.
- Pour tea into a large pitcher.
- Add lemon juice, if using, then add remaining 5 cups (1.2L) cold water and stir well.
- Tea may be served immediately poured over ice, or store in the refrigerator for several hours before serving. Always stir before pouring.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- While the baking soda could be left out, I don’t recommend it. I consider it a key ingredient for a smooth but robustly flavored sweet tea. Just a pinch goes a long way!
- Store in a covered pitcher for up to 3-4 days. Good luck getting it to last that long!
Nutrition Information
Serving
1serving
Calories
98kcal
(5%)
Carbohydrates
25g
(8%)
Protein
1g
(2%)
Fat
1g
(2%)
Saturated Fat
1g
(5%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
1g
Sodium
29mg
(1%)
Potassium
8mg
(0%)
Fiber
1g
(4%)
Sugar
25g
(50%)
Vitamin A
1IU
(0%)
Vitamin C
3mg
(3%)
Calcium
8mg
(1%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings (1 cup per serving)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 98
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 98kcal | 5% |
| Carbohydrates | 25g | 8% |
| Protein | 1g | 2% |
| Fat | 1g | 2% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Sodium | 29mg | 1% |
| Potassium | 8mg | 0% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 25g | 50% |
| Vitamin A | 1IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 3mg | 3% |
| Calcium | 8mg | 1% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.