Classic Southern Sweet Tea
Embrace the charm of the South with this Classic Southern Sweet Tea recipe—a quintessential refreshment that’s perfectly balanced and irresistibly smooth. Enhanced by a pinch of baking soda to soften the tea’s natural tannins, this sweet tea boasts a mellow, velvety flavor that’s complemented by the rich sweetness of granulated sugar. Brewed with robust black tea bags and chilled to perfection, this recipe creates a thirst-quenching pitcher ideal for sunny afternoons and family gatherings. Serve it over ice and elevate the experience with a garnish of fresh mint leaves and vibrant lemon slices for a delightful touch of elegance. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this Southern staple will quickly become your go-to summer beverage.
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Ingredients
- 8 cups water
- 4 bags black tea bags
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 0.125 teaspoon baking soda
- 4 cups ice cubes
- 1 for garnish lemon slices
- 1 for garnish mint leaves
Directions
Step 1
Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.
Step 2
Remove the saucepan from heat and add the black tea bags. Add the baking soda, which helps to soften the tea's tannins, giving it a smoother taste.
Step 3
Cover and let the tea bags steep for 5 to 7 minutes, depending on your desired strength.
Step 4
Remove the tea bags without squeezing them. This helps avoid any bitter taste from the tannins.
Step 5
Add the granulated sugar to the hot tea and stir until completely dissolved.
Step 6
Pour the sweetened tea into a large pitcher and add the remaining 4 cups of cold water, stirring to combine.
Step 7
Allow the sweet tea to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least an hour to chill.
Step 8
Serve the sweet tea over ice cubes in glasses. Garnish with lemon slices and mint leaves if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (3094.2g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 763.7 |
| Total Fat 0.0g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 0.0g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0g | |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 215.1mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 200.5g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 0.2g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 200.1g | |
| Protein 0.1g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 120.1mg | 0% |
| Iron 0.1mg | 0% |
| Potassium 12.4mg | 0% |
Source of Calories