Easy Sweet Tea Recipe
This easy sweet tea recipe is such a refreshing drink to cool down with during the hot summer months!
This is the best sweet tea recipe to share with friends and family during a nice cozy get-together. Make a pitcher of this delicious drink and everyone will be wanting seconds.
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Table of contents
Why you’ll love this recipe
This sweet tea recipe is one you’re going to love! It couldn’t be easier to make and only requires 3 ingredients (plus a 4th optional one if you want an extra bit of tart taste). Tea is always such a comforting drink to enjoy, and this sweet tea is no different!
Ingredients for this recipe
Water: Is the base of this sweet tea recipe
Luzianne Family-size Tea Bags: This is the tea that we recommend for this sweet tea.
Sugar: To sweeten the tea.
Ice: To make this into an iced beverage.
Lemons (if you want): Note: it isn’t real Southern sweet tea if you add lemons.
Substitutions
If you don’t want to use sugar in this recipe, you can also use other ingredients to help sweeten it such as honey, Stevia, or maple syrup.
Equipment needed for this recipe
This recipe is so simple that you don’t need to worry much about any equipment. Some tools that you may find helpful are a wooden spoon to mix ingredients together, a pitcher to add the liquid in, a knife to cut lemons if you choose to add them, and a citrus squeezer could also make the process of getting fresh lemon juice easier! If you want to make your own ice, you may also want to get your own ice maker!
How to make homemade sweet tea
Steps 1, 2, & 3: Bring the water to a boil. Add the tea bags. Simmer for 20 minutes.
Steps 6 & 7: Grab the pitcher with water and pour in the hot tea and sugar mixture. Stir well.
Steps 4 & 5: Remove tea bags. While tea is still hot add the sugar, stirring well.
Steps 8, 9, & 10: Add sliced lemons if you prefer. Add ice. Keep chilled and serve cold.
What to serve with iced sweet tea?
Sweet tea could be paired with many delicious treats and meals to enjoy with family and friends. If you’re looking for some meal options, you may enjoy this tea with this Tuna Casserole Recipe, Easy Ground Beef Pot Pie, or this Pork Chop One Pan Dinner.
If you’re looking for more of a treat to pair with this easy sweet tea recipe, then I recommend trying this Strawberry Fluff Salad, these Cherry Bars with Cake Mix, or even this Fruit Salad with Pudding recipe.
Common Questions
What makes iced tea ‘sweet’?
Using ingredients such as sugar, honey, and maple syrup is what makes ice tea into a “sweet tea”.
How long can sweet tea sit out without being refrigerated?
You can keep your sweet tea sitting out at room temperature for up to 8 hours.
Why is sweet tea so sweet?
If you find your sweet tea has come out too sweet for your liking, feel free to cut down on the sugar added to the recipe until you find your sweet spot… no pun intended!
Storage suggestions
If you’re able to get an airtight pitcher, that would be the best way to keep your sweet tea fresh if you’re keeping it overnight!
Easy to Make Sweet Tea Recipe
Ready for a quick and refreshing drink for those hot days? This sweet tea recipe will become your new favorite. It's best served cold with lots of ice and lemon, too.
Ingredients
- 3 C of water in a large pot
- 2 Luzianne Family size Tea Bags
- 1 C sugar
- 7 C of water in a pitcher
- Ice
- Lemons, if you prefer, but it isn't real Southern sweet tea if you add lemons!
Instructions
- Bring the 3 C of water to a boil.
- Add the tea bags.
- Simmer for 20 minutes.
- Remove tea bags
- While tea is still hot add the 1 C of sugar, stirring well.
- Grab the pitcher with water pour in the hot tea and sugar mixture.
- Stir well.
- Add sliced lemons if you prefer.
- Add ice
- Keep chilled and serve cold
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
12Serving Size:
1 CupAmount Per Serving: Calories: 76Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 8mgCarbohydrates: 20gFiber: 0gSugar: 19gProtein: 0g
If your tea is a little bitter, add 1/4 tsp of baking soda to even it out.
Sounds great can you use regular size teabags if I can’t find the family size ? And how many would be best?
4 regular tea bags equals one family size. Thanks for asking!
I used to make sweet tea for my husband! Your blog is lovely! I hope you have the time to link up with us at https://theeverydayfarmhouse.com/embracing-home-and-family-link-party-7/ We welcome any posts related to homemaking, homesteading or homeschooling!
Thank you for bringing this classic to Fiesta Friday.
I’ve never simmered mine on the stove. I do it the way my mom did, bring to boil, remove from heat, add tea bags, cover and steep twenty minutes. Does simmering give it a stronger taste?
that slow simmer definitely gives it a bolder taste. Thanks for stopping by.
I’m not a tea drinker but my husband quite often orders sweet tea when we dine out. When I saw this recipe I thought I would try making it for him. He gave it a “2 thumbs up”. This recipe is a keeper !!
Great news! Glad it was enjoyed. Thanks for being here!
This recipe sounds delicious! I can’t wait to try it!
Thank you! Glad to have you check out our recipes.
i have to try tis sweet tea recipe
Thanks. I hope you enjoy it.