Southern Sweet Iced Tea
Sweet Southern iced tea offers a refreshing, naturally sweet flavor with a hint of tea aroma, perfect for hot days and gatherings, appealing to all tea lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
- Add tea bags and baking soda to the boiling water.
- Remove from heat and cover.
- Allow the tea to sit for at least 10 to 15 minutes.
- Pour the brewed tea into a gallon pitcher and add 1 1/3 cups of sugar.
- Fill the pitcher with cold water to the top.
- Refrigerate until cold and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother sweetness, dissolve the sugar in the hot brewed tea before adding cold water. If you want to try a lower-calorie version, consider using a sugar substitute or reducing the sugar by half. Adding a pinch of baking soda can help neutralize bitterness in the tea. Experiment with flavored tea bags for a unique twist, such as peach or lemon varieties.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Southern sweet iced tea over ice with lemon slices for a refreshing touch. It pairs beautifully with Southern dishes like Barbecued Chuck Steak or Sawmill Soup. For a fun variation, mix it with Valentine Apple Juice for an interesting flavor combination, making it a great addition to summer gatherings or picnics.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover sweet iced tea in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To keep it fresh, avoid adding ice directly to the pitcher; instead, serve over ice in individual glasses. If the tea becomes too sweet after sitting, add more cold water to dilute it before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southern Sweet Iced Tea contains roughly 226 calories, with 5g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (97% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1254mg per serving (55% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular tea bags instead of family size?
Yes, you can use regular tea bags. Generally, 6-8 regular tea bags will equal the strength of 3 family size bags. Just ensure to adjust the brewing time slightly, as regular bags may infuse quicker.
Is it possible to make this tea unsweetened?
Absolutely! Simply omit the sugar entirely for an unsweetened version. You can also add fresh mint or citrus to enhance the flavor without the sweetness. For a different taste, try adding a splash of fruit juice.
How can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can brew the tea and refrigerate it up to a day in advance. Just follow the steps up until pouring into the pitcher, then chill. Before serving, give it a good stir, and add ice to individual glasses to enjoy it cold.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).