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The Secret to Perfect Southern Sweet Tea
5 from 45 votes

The Secret to Perfect Southern Sweet Tea

Perfect Southern Sweet Tea is brewed tea sweetened by dissolving sugar in hot water before steeping black tea bags. The tea concentrate is then diluted with cold water and served over ice, making a refreshing, sweet beverage with a smooth, mildly caffeinated flavor. Using a specific steeping technique avoids bitterness and ensures balanced sweetness.

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 1 kcal
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 2 Quarts water fresh, cold
  • 1 granulated sugar heaping cup, white
  • 4 tea bag we prefer Luzianne or Lipton, regular size or one gallon size
  • 2 Quarts water fresh, cold

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. In a medium sized stock pot heat 2 quarts of fresh water over medium high heat.
  2. When the water is near a simmer, turn the heat off.  Add the 1 Cup of sugar and stir until sugar dissolves. 
  3. Place the tea bags into the water, place the lid on the saucepan.  Allow to come to room temperature.
  4. Remove the tea bags and gently squeeze to remove any remaining tea. Use care not to tear the tea bags. Discard tea bags.
  5. Pour the tea concentrate into a gallon size tea pitcher and add the remaining 2 quarts of cool water.
  6. Serve over a full glass of ice cubes.

Notes

  • Sugar sweetness can be customized by preparing simple syrup instead of dissolving sugar directly, allowing individuals to add syrup to taste.
  • Choose good-quality tea brands like Luzianne or Lipton for best flavor results.
  • Use clean, fresh water; if using tap water, let it sit overnight to reduce chlorine taste before brewing.
  • Never boil tea bags directly, as this causes bitterness; steep tea in hot, but not boiling water.
  • If available, use gallon-size tea bags to simplify the steeping process.

Nutrition Information

Calories 1kcal (0%) Sodium 23mg (1%) Calcium 14mg (1%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8 servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 1

% Daily Value*

Calories 1kcal 0%
Sodium 23mg 1%
Calcium 14mg 1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.