Summer Sweet Tea is a wonderful, refreshing summer drink that takes no time at all to make! Serve as-is, mix with vodka or even white wine for a delicious sweet tea sangria.
Summer sweet tea…it's my downfall each and every summer. I just can't get enough and I find myself making batch after batch (why does it always disappear so quickly)? Everyone and their mother has a recipe for sweet tea, it seems. I can't claim that mine is extra-special or especially different from the masses, but I can promise that it has just the right amount of sweetness and that it will make you happy on these very hot days.
Sun tea is my choice method of "brewing" but I don't always have the patience to wait an entire afternoon for the final product. So, I have used this method more times than not. And I'm not complaining one bit - I love having a quick and dirty sweet iced tea recipe on hand so that I can enjoy it anytime I want!
What Is Sweet Tea?
Sweet tea is an iced tea that is popular in the South and is made by brewing tea, traditionally black tea. Sugar is added for sweetness and it is served over ice.
Ingredients
- Tea Bags: Use "iced tea bags" not the cold brew kind, try brands such as Luzianne, Lipton, Red Diamond, Tetley or your favorite brand. Black tea bags are traditional but you might try green or Earl grey tea bags or flavored tea bags such as peach or lavender tea.
- White Sugar: The white sugar adds the sweetness of course.
- Baking Soda: My recipe includes a pinch of baking soda which helps to remove the tannins from the tea and, therefore, the bitterness. Which results in a smoother, sweeter tea - and who doesn't want that? It's also the secret to a clear tea.
- Garnish: Garnish with mint and sliced lemons or limes, if you prefer. Berries or sliced apples are also a nice addition.
Scroll down to the bottom for the printable recipe card with exact measurements and recipe instructions.
How to Make Sweet Tea
- In a large saucepan, heat four cups water to boiling. Add tea bags, turn off heat and cover. Allow to steep, soak in liquid, for 15 minutes.
- Remove tea bags and stir in sugar until completely dissolved.
- Add a pinch of baking soda and stir. Add remaining 12 cups water, mixing thoroughly.
- Chill in refrigerator and serve over ice and with lemon slices and fresh mint, if you prefer.
Tips & Variations
- Adjust the sweetness - I think this iced tea has just the right amount of sweetness but feel free to add more sugar or less, if you prefer. Make sure the sugar completely dissolves.
- Chill thoroughly - It's not Sweet Iced Tea without chilling and it's not only refreshing chilled but I think it also enhances the flavor.
- Sugar substitute - Whether the goal is to mix it up or go sugar-free there are many ways to sweeten your iced tea without sugar. Try substituting the sugar with honey, agave nectar, maple syrup, coconut sugar, artificial sweeteners or Stevia. You can also reduce the sugar and add fruit as sweeteners as well.
- Spiked Sweet Tea - Add a shot of whiskey, bourbon, vodka, tequila or your favorite spirit to the glass.
- It's a great drink to serve alongside Italian Blood Orange Soda
- Arnold Palmers - Simply mix equal parts lemonade and sweet tea.
- Storing - You can store sweet tea in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Summer Sweet Tea
Summer Sweet Tea is a wonderful, refreshing summer drink that takes no time at all to make!
Ingredients
- 6 of your favorite tea bags
- 16 cups water (divided)
- 1 ½ cups white sugar
- a pinch of baking soda
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, heat four cups water to boiling. Add tea bags, turn off heat and cover. Allow to steep, soak in liquid, for 15 minutes.
- Remove tea bags and stir in sugar until completely dissolved. Add a pinch of baking soda and stir.
- Add remaining 12 cups water, mixing thoroughly.
- Chill in refrigerator and serve over ice as is and with lemon slices and fresh mint, if you prefer.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 16 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 73Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 15mgCarbohydrates: 19gFiber: 0gSugar: 19gProtein: 0g
This data was provided and calculated by Nutritionix.
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Cheyenne says
I used this recipie for a quick drink and OMG is it good. The whole family loved it. Thanks so much.
Kristy Bernardo says
I'm so glad, Cheyenne! I'm so happy the weather is getting warmer again so I can enjoy it. I could make it during the colder months but it just tastes so much better when it's warm outside.
@AsBestRecipes says
summer sweet tea | #recipe #summer http://t.co/o2bAapM8nh via @thewickednoodle
Wendy Read says
Gorgeous shot just the same!
@ElephantTeaRoom says
Sweet #summer #tea … and with a pinch of baking soda http://t.co/9EZRD9URpu
the wicked noodle says
It's actually not! It's the 24/105 that I bought a couple of years ago. I love it but not as much as "our" lens 🙂
@reneedobbs says
summer sweet tea | #recipe #summer http://t.co/5S1Fe9rjc2 via @thewickednoodle
Danae @ Recipe Runner says
This looks so refreshing for hot summer days! I had no idea about the baking soda tip, thanks for sharing that. I also can't wait to see if you come up with any cocktails for this tea, perfect for a summer happy hour!
the wicked noodle says
You're so welcome, Danae! I'm really glad you can use it. I have three cocktails coming, two with this tea - can you tell I'm addicted?? 🙂
Wendy Read says
Fab photo 🙂 Is that my favorite lens?
Janelle Dangerfield Shank says
I can't say "sweet tea" without using a southern accent. I am okay with that! looks so good
@SusanPCooper says
summer sweet tea | #recipe #summer http://t.co/x90mRkikzS via @thewickednoodle
@karenrosesmith says
summer sweet tea | #recipe #summer http://t.co/UMng5dTnKY via @thewickednoodle
Nathalie C. @ Devoted Foodie says
I am not a fan of sweet tea but your picture had me drooling, I just had to click the link.That pitcher of tea looks so refreshing! I'm tempted to give these a try 🙂
the wicked noodle says
What a sweet comment, Nathalie, thank you!!
@MasalaHerb says
summer sweet tea | #recipe #summer http://t.co/NXva9IEt7r via @thewickednoodle
@grndbeefbudget says
summer sweet tea | #recipe #summer http://t.co/MyWZFa7kv1 via @thewickednoodle
@LatnCooknDiva says
summer sweet tea | #recipe #summer http://t.co/H7brrAr7sF via @thewickednoodle
@grandbabycake says
summer sweet tea | #recipe #summer http://t.co/wU9nrcxP83 via @thewickednoodle
@cookinstilettos says
summer sweet tea | #recipe #summer http://t.co/nEoF4BQcht via @thewickednoodle
the wicked noodle says
Well, Ms. Wendi Szechuan, I made two boozy drinks with this very sweet tea that I'll be posting in the next week or so 🙂 But if you'd like them sooner, feel free to shoot me a PM!
@spabettie says
summer sweet tea | #recipe #summer http://t.co/SJHR3PrEU7 via @thewickednoodle
@BarbaraCharles says
summer sweet tea | #recipe #summer http://t.co/OBUs7EfrGZ via @thewickednoodle
@thewatermouth says
summer sweet tea | #recipe #summer http://t.co/CDO9udHfGA via @thewickednoodle
Wendi Malmberg Higginbotham says
so... if I wanted to make this a "mommy drink" what liquor goes in sweet tea?
Matt Robinson says
This looks incredible, I need a giant pitcher of this in my fridge at all times this summer!
the wicked noodle says
Yes, you do, Matt!! 🙂
PassTheKnife says
Looks so refreshing, I could go for a tall glass right now! Your pictures are really beautiful, great job!
the wicked noodle says
Thanks so much, PTK! I'm especially proud of them, they turned out really nice and food photography has been a struggle for me. I really appreciate the compliment!