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Southern Sweet Tea Recipe

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4.2 from 3 reviews

A classic Southern Sweet Tea recipe featuring strong black tea brewed with sugar for a perfectly sweet and refreshing beverage, optionally garnished with lemon and mint. Ideal for hot days and gatherings, this homemade sweet tea is easy to prepare and can be adjusted to your preferred sweetness and strength.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 5 cups water
  • 5-6 black tea bags (adjust for desired strength)
  • 2/3 to 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar (adjust for sweetness)

Optional Garnishes

  • Lemon wedges
  • Fresh mint leaves
  • Ice cubes

Instructions

  1. Boil Water: Add 5 cups of water to a medium-sized pot and bring to a boil over high heat.
  2. Steep Tea Bags: Once boiling, turn off the heat and add 5-6 black tea bags. Allow the tea to steep for 10 to 25 minutes depending on how strong you like your tea.
  3. Dissolve Sugar: Stir in granulated sugar gradually in increments until it completely dissolves into the hot tea, adjusting the amount to your preferred sweetness.
  4. Remove Tea Bags: Take the tea bags out of the pot and discard them.
  5. Transfer and Dilute: Pour the brewed tea into a large pitcher and add additional water to fill the pitcher, diluting the tea to your desired strength.
  6. Add Garnishes: Add lemon wedges and fresh mint leaves to the pitcher if desired for added flavor and a refreshing touch.
  7. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the sweet tea until cold. Serve over ice cubes for a refreshing drink.

Notes

  • Adjust tea bag quantity and steeping time based on desired strength.
  • Sugar can be adjusted or substituted with sweeteners according to taste or dietary needs.
  • Optional lemon and mint add a fresh and aromatic flavor but can be omitted.
  • For a stronger flavor, steep the tea bags closer to 25 minutes; for lighter tea, reduce steeping time.
  • Serve immediately after chilling for best flavor.

Find it online: https://dishcooks.com/southern-sweet-tea-recipe/