Best 6 Southern Style Sweet Tea Recipes
In the realm of sweet beverages, few can rival the refreshing charm and nostalgic appeal of Southern-style sweet tea. This iconic drink, steeped in tradition and hospitality, embodies the essence of Southern culture. Originating in the American South, sweet tea has become a beloved staple, synonymous with warm summer afternoons, family gatherings, and front porch conversations. Whether you prefer it served tall and chilled or savor it as a warm pick-me-up, sweet tea holds a cherished place in the hearts of Southerners and tea enthusiasts alike. In this article, we delve into the secrets of crafting the perfect glass of Southern-style sweet tea, exploring its rich history, uncovering tips and tricks for brewing, and presenting a collection of our favorite authentic recipes. So, gather your ingredients, prepare your tea kettle, and let's embark on a sweet and delightful journey into the world of Southern-style sweet tea.
Let's cook with our recipes!
ABSOLUTELY THE BEST SOUTHERN SWEET TEA
I know, I know. Everyone claims the best sweet tea around. I only say mine is best because everyone, and I do mean everyone... says so (so far, but now it's posted so that may change). Posted by request. Sometimes we will substitute two of the Lipton tea bags for two green tea bags which gives this tea another wonderful flavor. SOME TEA 'BAG' HISTORY: Tea 'bags' were originally created by manufacturers as 'samples' of their fine teas and given to the distributors to boost sales.
Provided by 2Bleu
Categories Beverages
Time 4h5m
Yield 1 gallon, 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 3
Steps:
- Hold tea bags lined up evenly by the strings and make a loop knot to hold them together. Pull off paper and staple (from paper side). Set aside.
- In a one gallon pitcher, add very hot water. Stir in the sugar till dissolved.
- Add tea bags and dunk into water a few times, then leave them in the pitcher. Cover with lid of pitcher and refrigerate.
- Wait until it is very cold (at least 3-4 hours). The flavor changes until it reaches the 'cold' state.
- Drink and enjoy. (I leave the bags set in the pitcher, but recommend taking them out after about 8 hours--- IF it lasts that long! We make 2 pitchers at a time down here in the south. :).
Nutrition Facts : Calories 172, Sodium 19.4, Carbohydrate 44.4, Sugar 44.3
SOUTHERN STYLE SWEET TEA
Every Southern family has a sweet tea recipe, and this one is ours. It's as Southern as a biscuit, great with any dish from apple pie to baked ziti, and should always be available in the fridge.
Provided by Luzianne Tea
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- In a pot, bring 8 cups of water to a boil; remove from heat Add tea bags and allow to steep for 3-5 minutes depending on the strength of tea you prefer. Remove tea bags and stir sugar into warm tea; continue to stir until completely dissolved. Pour concentrated tea into pitcher and mix in remaining 8 cups water. Allow to cool to room temperature. Pour into glasses packed with ice cubes, garnish and serve. For best flavor, refrigerate and use within 48 hours.
SOUTHERN SWEET ICED TEA
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
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
SOUTHERN-STYLE SWEET TEA
A shady front porch and a glass of this iconic Southern beverage are the perfect combination for a warm summer afternoon.
Provided by Paula Jones
Categories Beverage
Time 2h30m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Heat 4 cups of the water to boiling. In large heatproof bowl, place tea bags; pour boiling water over tea bags. Cover with foil; let steep 15 to 20 minutes. Remove and discard tea bags.
- Add sugar to tea; stir until sugar is dissolved. Pour into large heatproof pitcher. Stir in remaining 4 cups cold water. Refrigerate until chilled.
- Serve tea well chilled over ice, garnished with lemon and/or mint.
Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 Serving
SMOOTH SWEET TEA
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
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
SOUTH CAROLINA SWEET TEA
Remember, this is the South, where simplicity is the secret to most recipes. Follow this to the 'T' and you will have sweet tea, Sand Lapper (South Carolina) style.
Provided by Deanna Ross
Categories Drinks Recipes Tea Iced Tea Recipes
Time 11m
Yield 16
Number Of Ingredients 2
Steps:
- Using an electric coffee maker, Place the 3 tea bags in the strainer basket (not in the pot). Brew the tea as you would coffee. Pour the sugar in a gallon pitcher. Pour in the hot tea. Continue to run coffee maker with the tea bags until you have enough tea to fill the pitcher. Allow to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 96.8 calories, Carbohydrate 25 g, Sugar 25 g
Tips:
- Use high-quality tea. Fresh, loose-leaf tea will produce the best flavor. If using tea bags, choose a brand that you know and trust.
- Steep the tea properly. The amount of time you steep the tea will determine the strength of the flavor. For a stronger tea, steep for 4-5 minutes. For a milder tea, steep for 2-3 minutes.
- Sweeten the tea to taste. Add sugar or honey to taste. You can also use a sugar substitute if you prefer.
- Chill the tea before serving. Sweet tea is best served cold. You can chill it in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight.
- Serve the tea with ice. Sweet tea is typically served with ice. You can also add a lemon wedge or mint sprig for garnish.
Conclusion:
Southern-style sweet tea is a refreshing and delicious drink that is perfect for any occasion. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. With a few simple tips, you can make the perfect pitcher of sweet tea that will be enjoyed by everyone.
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