Best 7 How To Make Sweet Tea Recipes

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Sweet tea is a refreshing and flavorful beverage that is enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a popular summertime drink, but it can be enjoyed year-round. Sweet tea is made with black tea, sugar, and sometimes other flavorings, such as lemon or mint. There are many different ways to make sweet tea, and the best method depends on your personal preferences. Some people prefer to make sweet tea using a tea bag, while others prefer to use loose tea leaves. The amount of sugar you add to your sweet tea is also a matter of personal preference. If you are looking for a refreshing and delicious way to quench your thirst, sweet tea is a great option.

Here are our top 7 tried and tested recipes!

HOW TO MAKE SWEET TEA



How to Make Sweet Tea image

I'll never forget the time my family and I went to Boston to visit my sister.

Categories     beverages     main dish

Time 20m

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

FOR THE SIMPLE SYRUP:
3/4 c. Granulated Sugar
3/4 c. Water
FOR THE TEA:
10 c. Water, Divided
6 Regular Sized Black Tea Bags
1 pinch Baking Soda
Ice, As Needed
Lemon Slices, To Serve (optional)

Steps:

  • For the simple syrup:Mix sugar and water in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil and allow to boil for about 5-7 minutes. You'll notice the mixture will reduce. Remove from heat and pour into a heatproof bowl and set aside to cool. For the tea:In the same saucepan, bring 3 cups of water to a boil. Remove the pot from the range and place on a trivet. Add tea bags and baking soda. Steep for 5-6 minutes. Remove tea bags without squeezing. Add simple syrup and stir. Pour into a pitcher and add remaining 7 cups water. Serve over ice with lemon slices.

SOUTHERN SWEET ICED TEA



Southern Sweet Iced Tea image

This is how my Granny made sweet tea and it is some kind of sweet. Know that and beware. Pa-Paw used to down 2-3 glasses after working in the garden all day. Back off the sugar if you can't handle it. This one is for true southerners only ;)

Provided by ratherbeswimmin

Categories     Beverages

Time 30m

Yield 2 quarts

Number Of Ingredients 5

6 regular tea bags
1/8 teaspoon baking soda
2 cups boiling water
1 1/2-2 cups sugar
6 cups cold water

Steps:

  • In a large glass measuring cup, place the tea bags and add the baking soda.
  • Pour the boiling water over the tea bags.
  • Cover and steep for 15 minutes.
  • Take out the tea bags and do not squeeze them.
  • Pour the tea mixture into a 2-quart pitcher; add the sugar.
  • Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
  • Add in the cold water.
  • Let cool; chill in the refrigerator and serve over ice.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 580.5, Sodium 108.6, Carbohydrate 150, Sugar 149.7

SMOOTH SWEET TEA



Smooth Sweet Tea image

Southern sweet tea, perfect for hot summer days!

Provided by cookincode3

Categories     Drinks Recipes     Tea     Iced Tea Recipes

Time 3h20m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 pinch baking soda
2 cups boiling water
6 tea bags
¾ cup white sugar
6 cups cool water

Steps:

  • Sprinkle a pinch of baking soda into a 64-ounce, heat-proof, glass pitcher. Pour in boiling water, and add tea bags. Cover, and allow to steep for 15 minutes.
  • Remove tea bags, and discard; stir in sugar until dissolved. Pour in cool water, then refrigerate until cold.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 72.6 calories, Carbohydrate 18.7 g, Sodium 41.3 mg, Sugar 18.7 g

SWEET TEA



Sweet Tea image

For a fresh mint flavor, add a touch of our Mint Simple Syrup to the tea.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Drink Recipes

Yield Makes about 4 cups

Number Of Ingredients 3

6 black-tea bags
3/4 cup sugar
Mint sprigs, for garnish

Steps:

  • Bring 4 cups water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Remove from heat. Add tea bags; let steep 5 minutes. Remove tea bags, and discard. Stir in sugar until dissolved. Let cool slightly. Refrigerate at least 1 hour or up to 3 days. Serve over ice, garnished with mint sprigs.

BASIC SWEET TEA (GREEN TEA)



Basic Sweet Tea (Green Tea) image

This is a simple recipe, yes. However, I've had some British/Irish/Scottish friends in the past who've taught me what real tea tastes like, and I've found that I like this flavor to be present in both hot and cold forms of the beverage. Not to criticize, but many Americans don't understand the specifics of how to brew tea to its full potential and flavor. Some overbrew it, some underbrew it. I will be covering brewing both black and green teas for making sweet iced tea, in separate recipes.

Provided by Arctides Regalis

Categories     Beverages

Time 10m

Yield 64 Quarts, 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 4

4 (8 g) bags green tea leaves
40 ounces water
1 cup unbleached cane sugar
24 ounces ice cubes

Steps:

  • Put the ice aside in a container or pitcher that can withstand the hot tea without breaking and put it in the fridge while you're brewing.
  • Heat the 40 oz. of water in a pot, but not to a boil. It should be able to produce steam, but should not be boiling (boiling water overbrews green tea). Place the teabags in the hot water, and allow them to brew for 1 to 2 minutes while maintaining the current heat (hot but not boiling). Do not let the tea brew too long or it will end up too bitter.
  • Remove the tea bags from the pot, remove the pot from the heat and stir in the cup of cane sugar. It will dissolve almost instantly into the tea. Allow it to stand for a minute as your retrieve the container/pitcher.
  • Carefully pour the brewed tea into the container. It will melt most of the ice instantly, evening out the temperature so that the tea does not damage the container. Chill the tea further before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 96.8, Sodium 4.6, Carbohydrate 25, Sugar 25

SWEET TEA



Sweet Tea image

This sweet tea toes the line between just right and puckery sweet. The formula reflects the way my grandmother Leona Johnson made sweet tea: strong tea, lots of lemon juice and even more sugar. Start by adding half a cup of sugar to the batch, then add up to 4 more tablespoons to your preference. By making it extra potent, tart and sweet, this brew still tastes good even after the ice starts to melt.

Provided by Vallery Lomas

Categories     non-alcoholic drinks

Time 15m

Yield About 8 cups

Number Of Ingredients 5

8 black tea bags, preferably Lipton
1/2 cup granulated sugar, preferably pure cane, plus more to taste
6 tablespoons lemon juice (from about 2 lemons)
Ice cubes, for chilling and serving
Lemon slices, for garnish (optional)

Steps:

  • In a tea kettle or medium saucepan, heat 4 cups water until boiling. Remove from the heat and add the tea bags. Allow the tea to steep for 5 minutes. Gently squeeze the bags to release their concentrated tea, then discard the bags. Transfer the tea to a pitcher.
  • Stir 1/2 cup sugar into the hot tea until it has dissolved. Stir in the lemon juice. Add 4 cups water, then fill the pitcher with 2 cups ice.
  • Taste the tea to determine if you'd like to add up to 4 tablespoons more sugar. If adding sugar, stir until it dissolves.
  • Cover and refrigerate until the sweet tea is chilled throughout or up to 2 days. Serve in a large glass filled with ice, and garnish with a lemon slice if you'd like.

SMOOTH SWEET TEA



Smooth Sweet Tea image

A pinch of baking soda eliminates bitterness in this smooth and easy-to-sip tea and it has just the right amount of sugar so it's not overly sweet. -kelseylouise, Taste of Home Community Member

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 15m

Yield 7 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 5

2 cups water
6 black tea bags
1/8 teaspoon baking soda
2/3 cup sugar
6 cups cold water

Steps:

  • In a small saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Remove from the heat; add tea bags. Cover and steep for 10 minutes. Discard tea bags., Sprinkle baking soda into a 2-qt. pitcher. Transfer tea to pitcher; stir in sugar. Add cold water. Refrigerate until chilled.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 76 calories, Fat 0 fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 29mg sodium, Carbohydrate 20g carbohydrate (19g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 0 protein.

Tips:

  • Choose the Right Tea: Use black tea leaves or tea bags labeled "sweet tea blend" or "Southern sweet tea blend" for the best flavor.
  • Fresh Water: Always use fresh, filtered water for the best taste. Avoid using tap water that may have an off taste.
  • Steeping Time: Steep the tea bags or loose tea leaves for at least 5 minutes, or up to 10 minutes for a stronger flavor. Don't over-steep, as this can make the tea bitter.
  • Sweetener: Use granulated sugar or honey as your sweetener. For a healthier option, use stevia or another sugar substitute.
  • Chill Thoroughly: After brewing, let the tea cool down to room temperature before refrigerating it. This allows the flavors to blend and develop.
  • Serve Over Ice: Serve the sweet tea over ice cubes in tall glasses. Add lemon slices, mint leaves, or fresh berries for garnish.

Conclusion:

Making sweet tea at home is a simple and rewarding process that lets you customize the flavor to your liking. Experiment with different types of tea, sweeteners, and flavorings to create a refreshing beverage that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're sipping it on a hot summer day or enjoying it as a cozy treat on a cold evening, homemade sweet tea is sure to become a family favorite.

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