How To Make The Perfect Southern Sweet Tea (Recipe)

Being a native of South Carolina, I have drank Southern Sweet Tea all my life. I cannot remember a time when there was not a pitcher of sweet tea in the refrigerator. It is one of my favorite all-time drinks and that is why I am sharing how to make the perfect southern sweet tea recipe. 

One time when I was in my early 20’s, I went to Chicago, IL. While there I went to a restaurant at the Navy Pier. The waitress asked me what I wanted to drink, of course, I said Tea. 

What she brought me back was not what I was looking for or asking for. I took that first sip and realized It had no sugar in it! This was my first experience of learning that people outside of the South do not drink Sweet Tea.

You see back home when ordering tea, you simply ask for tea at the restaurants and they know what you want. If you wanted tea with no sugar,  you would simply have to ask for unsweetened tea. 

History of Southern Sweet Tea

As stated before, I was born and raised in South Carolina. Some of the very first tea plantations were right here in the Palmetto State. Not only was South Carolina the first place to plant and raise tea, but it is also thought to have been the only state to grow tea commercially. 

Many also say that sweet tea was born right here in our state of South Carolina as well. Check out this article from Southern Living that tells of how South Carolina was the birthplace of Sweet Tea.

What is Southern Sweet Tea?

Southern Sweet Tea is a black tea that has been steeped in hot water. The tea steeps for 5 to 15 minutes. The hot tea solution is then mixed with sugar so the sugar can be dissolved. It is then poured into the cool water. After that, It is then chilled and poured over ice. It is drunk as a cold drink at dinners or enjoyed anytime you want a refreshing drink.

Let me reiterate that sweet tea is not made unsweet and then you add sugar. You add the sugar while the tea is hot. It doesn't taste the same if you make unsweetened tea, then try to add in sugar. The only way to make it taste similar is to make a simple syrup and then add that to the unsweetened tea.

If you love Southern Sweet Tea, you are going to love this Peach Iced Tea Recipe.

When to Drink Sweet Tea?

Southern Sweet Tea is a drink that is enjoyed by the gallons year-round in the South. We drink it at meals when we have been outside and are hot and sweaty, as well as sipping it on our front porches. 

Nothing quenches your thirst on a hot day like sweet iced tea! Dolly Parton even coined the phrase "House Wine of the South" in the movie Steel Magnolias!

But just as with food recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation, there are many variances and sweet tea is no different. It can be very subjective depending on who you ask. 

With that being said this southern sweet tea recipe I am sharing has been passed down to me by my mom which was passed to her by her mom. To me, this is the perfect iced tea recipe

For a complete list of refreshing iced tea recipes, check out this post here. [25 Refreshing Iced Tea Recipes].

What You Need to Make This Recipe

You'll find a detailed ingredient list and step-by-step instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of the post, but let's go over the basics:

Ingredients Southern Sweet Tea:

Black Tea Bags:

The first thing you will need to make this recipe is the tea. Most Southern sweet tea is made from Black tea. You can use loose-leaf black tea but most Southerners buy tea bags.

Two popular brands are Lipton and Luzianne tea bags. There is also a lesser-known brand called Tetley Tea. I recently came across another brand of tea bags called Southern Sweet Tea Company which seems to be a great product as well.

To a Southerner, the brand of tea bags you use is like siding with your favorite peanut butter brand or truck brand. You are either like one brand or the other. 

Sugar

If you look up how much sugar for 1 gallon of sweet tea, you will find that the amount is different for each recipe. This is very subjective just like the brand of tea bags you use.

Water

This will be used to steep the tea bags. Then you will need roughly 14 cups of cold water to fill your gallon pitcher the rest of the way up. Tap water is ok to use but if you have a water filter, that will produce the best taste.

Secret Ingredient-Baking Soda

Baking Soda in tea is the secret ingredient to making smooth Southern sweet tea. My mom always added this to her tea, she called it tempering, of course, this was passed down from generation but it is known by most Southerners. 

Black tea has tannins in it. That is what makes the color of the tea dark. The more tea bags you use, the longer you steep them, and the hotter the water, which will all result in more tannins being released. 

Adding baking soda takes out the bitterness of the tannins as it is thought to neutralize the tannic acid. 

Adding baking soda will also cause your tea to get darker in color. It will have that nice rich brown tint.

You only need a pinch of baking soda, approximately ¼ of a teaspoon. 

My Go-To Sweet Tea Recipe- How to Make it:

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1. Start with a small pot or small saucepan. Add two cups of water. 

Step 2. Add in your tea bags. I like to tie the strings together as it makes it easier to get them out later on. 

Step 3. Bring water to a boil, then remove the pan from the heat. 

Step 4. Let the tea bags steep for 5 to 15 minutes. The longer it steeps the stronger it will be. 

Step 5. Add your sugar to the heat-safe pitcher that you are using. 

Step 6. After the tea has steeped, pour hot tea over the sugar. Give the bags a gentle squeeze. Remove tea bags and add them to your compost bucket or toss them in the trash. Stir well until the sugar has dissolved.

Step 7. Fill the picture up the remaining way with cool water. 

Step 8. Refrigerate the tea to get it cold. Once it has chilled, pour a glass of Southern sweet tea over ice, add a few lemon wedges, and enjoy!

Note: Some Southerners recommend not boiling the water, bring the water up to temp just before it starts to boil then add in the tea bags. I personally have done it both ways and cannot tell a difference.

How To Serve

Serve Sweet tea over a chilled glass full of ice for best results. Also, If you let the tea refrigerate for a few hours or even come back the next day, it will darken up and have a stronger flavor. If you try it right after you make it, it will be very light in color and taste. Just remember it will get stronger and darker the next day. 

Simple Tip: Do not throw those tea bags out. Place them in a kitchen compost bin. Then add to your compost pile outside. They are great for the compost or the worm bin. 

FAQ’s

How much tea will this make?

This Southern Sweet Tea recipe makes 1 gallon.

Can I use a glass Pitcher?

Yes. you can use a glass pitcher but be careful putting hot liquid in a cold glass pitcher when you are making southern sweet tea. It can shatter on you sending shards of glass everywhere. Make sure to use a heat-safe glass pitcher. 

If you don’t have a heat-safe pitcher, you may need to mix the sugar in the pot with the tea. Then add your cold water to the glass pitcher before pouring in the tea/sugar mixture. You just make this recipe in reverse. 

How do I keep the iced sweet tea from watering down in my glass?

One trick to keep your tea from watering down is to freeze the tea in ice trays. Then use the sweet tea ice cubes as your ice!

Can I use a substitute for white granulated Sugar?

Yes. There are many alternatives you can use as a sugar substitute. Here are a few: Honey, Agave nectar, Splenda, Stevia, and raw cane sugar.

Can I Add in Fresh Mint?

Yes. Some Southerners will add a sprig of mint to their glass of iced sweet tea.

Is Sweet Tea Better for You Than Soda?

Sweet tea can be considered a better option than soda for those seeking a beverage with potentially fewer additives, as it can be prepared with natural ingredients like tea leaves and water. Soda often contains artificial flavors, colors, and high-fructose corn syrup.

Additionally, sweet tea may offer some antioxidant benefits from the tea leaves, making it a slightly healthier option for those looking to reduce their intake of sugary beverages. Finally, making sweet tea at home allows you to adjust the sugar content to a lower or lesser amount.

Thanks for checking out our southern sweet tea recipe. We feel this is the best way to make the best sweet tea just like mama made it. Sweet tea uses very simple ingredients to make an awesome drink. Simple is the southern way!
-Ronnie

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