Southern Sweet Tea: The Perfect Elixir of Summer
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Southern Sweet Tea is the perfect elixir of summer. When the temperatures rise, there’s nothing more refreshing than a cold glass of sweet iced tea enjoyed on the porch, in the shade, or at the table with friends. This is our favorite recipe—simple, classic, and deeply refreshing.
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Why I Love Sweet Iced Tea
I’ve made sweet tea in so many ways that I can’t count them all. I’ve experimented and tested, served countless pitchers of this summer elixir for years, until I found the perfect balance of sweet and tea.
The amount of time it takes to steep the sweet tea is one of the greatest variations, along with which tea you use to brew. I’ve read recipes that merely swish the tea bags in the hot water and steep for as long as 20 minutes. You’ll find this recipe a bit different. And if you’re a sweet tea maker and have hints and secrets you’d like to share, we would LOVE to hear!
What You Need to Make Southern Sweet Tea
Here’s all you need.
- Boiling water
- Tea bags
- Sugar (or honey for a natural sweetener)
- Add-ins: lemon slices, mint sprigs (all optional, of course!).
Best Tea for Southern Sweet Tea
Be forewarned, this is a rabbit trail—and a highly controversial one at that! I’m wading into deep waters here by suggesting which tea is best for Southern Sweet Tea, but here we go: After recommendations from Southern friends, family, and some spirited discussions—like this one on Reddit—these are the teas I come back to again and again.
After countless pitchers, recommendations from Southern friends and family, and a few spirited online debates, here are some top picks—whether you’re looking for premium loose-leaf teas or classic grocery store bags.
Fine Teas (Afternoon Tea–Worthy Options)
These higher-quality black teas can elevate your sweet tea to something truly special—smooth, rich, and full-bodied without bitterness, perfect for a summer afternoon tea.
- Assam – Bold and malty, perfect if you like your tea strong and flavorful.
- Ceylon (Sri Lankan black tea) – Bright and citrusy, a favorite for a clean-tasting iced tea.
- Nilgiri – Smooth with floral notes, and rarely goes bitter when chilled.
- Keemun – A more nuanced Chinese black tea with a slight smoky note; best used lightly.
- Blended English Breakfast – A robust and balanced option that holds up well to sweetening and chilling.
Tip: When using loose-leaf tea, about 1 teaspoon per cup of water works well. Steep according to type and taste—usually 3 to 5 minutes.
Grocery Store Brands (Tried and True)
These are pantry staples across the South and beyond, beloved for their classic flavor and reliable brewing.
- Luzianne – Specifically blended for iced tea, with low bitterness and deep flavor.
- Tetley – A smooth, mellow option that brews consistently well.
- Lipton – Ubiquitous and widely used; produces a strong, slightly tannic brew.
- Red Rose – A favorite with a clean, sweet-tea-ready flavor.
- Publix or store-brand black teas – Surprisingly solid options, especially when brewed fresh and sweetened while warm.
- Great Value (Walmart) – Highly rated by many Reddit users for value and surprisingly good taste.
Pro tip from Southern kitchens: Always brew with fresh, cold water, and never over-steep—bitterness is the enemy of good sweet tea!
Do You Dunk Your Teabags?
My Alabama-raised childhood friend reminded me recently to never, ever (she emphasized) dunk a tea bag. She’s right, of course. Here’s why:
“If you do this, chances are you’re compromising your cuppa. The loose leaves in a teabag contain tannins, a naturally occurring class of compounds with astringent properties. These little devils are also responsible for causing the tea to stain your teeth. When you squeeze out your bag, you’re releasing the dregs where the tannins are most concentrated straight into your tea, making for a bitter drink.”
More Summer Drinks to Sip and Savor
Whether you’re hosting a backyard gathering or just looking for something cool to sip on the porch, these easy homemade drinks are sunshine in a glass:
- Peppermint Lemon Iced Tea – Light, citrusy, and refreshing with a hint of mint.
- 3-Ingredient Lemonade – A classic summertime essential made simple.
- Rosemary Lemonade – A savory, herb-infused twist on traditional lemonade.
- Red, White & Blue Non-Alcoholic Sangria – A fruity, festive drink perfect for holidays or garden parties.
- Raspberry Peach Iced Tea – Creamy and cool with just the right amount of sweetness.
- Afternoon Tea Recipes Collection – Sips and bites for your next teatime treat.
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Sweet Tea Recipe
Ingredients
- pinch baking soda (Optional to keep the tea clear)
- 2 cups boiling water
- 4-6 individual size tea bags
- 1/2-3/4 cup granulated sugar or honey
- 6 cups cold water
Equipment
Instructions
- Add a pinch baking soda, tea, and boiling water into o a 64-ounce heatproof glass pitcher. Let steep 10-15 minutes.
- Once the tea has steeped, remove the tea bags and discard. Then, stir in the sugar (or honey) until completely dissolved along with the cool water.
- Refrigerate until cold. Enjoy over ice and garnish with slices of lemon and mint sprigs if desired.
Notes
- Optional: If you like your iced tea clear, try adding a pinch of baking soda into the pitcher along with boiling water, tea, sugar (or honey) and cold water. This helps cut the bitterness, keeps the tea clear, and provides a nice balance.
- Natural Sweetener: If you want to avoid granulated sugar, try honey instead!
- Love Lemon?: If you love a bright lemony flavor with your iced tea, try 3 tablespoons lemon juice.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.