Southern Sweet Tea
Strong black tea sweetened while hot, then chilled over ice: the classic pitcher drink for porch afternoons.
Prep5 min
Cook10 min
Total15 min
Yield8 servings
LevelBeginner
Southern Sweet Tea
Ingredients
US measurements with metric in parentheses.
Instructions
- Place tea bags and the pinch of baking soda in a heatproof pitcher.
- Pour in the boiling water, cover and steep 5 minutes. Do not steep longer or it turns bitter.
- Remove the tea bags without squeezing them.
- Stir in the sugar until fully dissolved.
- Add the cold water, then chill at least 2 hours.
- Serve over ice with lemon wedges.
Tips for success
- Baking soda softens tannins and keeps the tea clear.
- Start with ½ cup sugar if you prefer it less sweet.
Substitutions
- Use honey or a sugar substitute, adjusted to taste.
- Add fresh mint or peach slices for flavor.
Storage & reheating
Keeps 3 days refrigerated in a covered pitcher.
Estimated nutrition per serving
Estimate only. Calculated roughly from typical ingredients; real values vary by brand and portion.
| Calories | ~75 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | ~0 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~19 g |
| Fat | ~0 g |
Frequently asked questions
Why is my tea cloudy?
Chilling tea quickly or using hard water can cloud it. Add a little boiling water to clear it.