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This sweet tea recipe is a super refreshing southern drink that’s easy to make at home! The smooth, sweet flavors are perfectly balanced in this irresistible summer favorite.
You may also enjoy my Strawberry Lemonade or Classic Mint Julep Recipe next.
Why you’ll love it
Brewed black tea is sweetened generously in this simple sweet tea recipe, then it’s chilled and served over ice with fresh lemon. It’s a delicious, thirst-quenching drink that’s ideal for sipping on the patio or by the pool. Bring a pitcher to your next family gathering!
As a Canadian I didn’t grow up with southern sweet tea, but I devour gallons of it when I’m down in the States. Where has it been all my life!? This fondness inspired me to perfect my own version of sweet tea that can be made and enjoyed at home anywhere in the world.
What you’ll need
- Water – we’re using enough to make a big ‘ol pitcher
- Tea – black tea is used for sweet tea, and the brand I keep coming back to is Luzianne. Their unsweetened iced tea bags are specially formulated for sweet tea. It’s a blend of orange pekoe and pekoe cut black teas.
- White sugar – the hallmark of sweet tea (of course) is its sweetness! It’s not overpowering here; it balances the robust flavors of the black tea.
- For serving – ice and lemon juice are a must for ultimate refreshment!
History
The history of sweet tea goes back to the 19th century. Early recipes called for green tea, but now black tea is the universal standard. The warm, rich amber color is so inviting, and it’s become a symbol of southern hospitality, comfort, and warmth. It’s no wonder sweet tea is a beloved tradition at BBQs, family gatherings, and on any hot summer day to cool off!
How to make sweet tea
This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.
Bring half the water to a boil in a saucepan. Turn off the heat, and add the teabags. Steep for 3 minutes, gently stirring a few times. Avoid steeping for much longer, or it’ll become bitter. Remove the teabags, and slowly stir in the sugar until dissolved.
Remove the saucepan from the stove, and let it cool down. Transfer the tea to a pitcher, then pour in the other half of the cold water. Chill in the fridge, and then add the ice cubes and lemon slices when just about ready to serve.
Helpful tips
- Not all tea bags are created equal! Be sure to read the recipe card notes below so that you nail the timing based on the size of the tea bags you have.
- I add the sugar after removing the tea bags because in the stirring process it’s easy to rip a tea bag, and nobody likes pesky floating tea leaves!
Substitutions and variations
- You can leave out the lemon if you prefer, but it does add another layer of flavor and brightness.
- Some people love a sprig of mint in their sweet tea for a pop of freshness.
- Want to make unsweetened iced tea? Simply follow the recipe but omit the sugar.
Tools for this recipe
Check out Natasha’s favorite kitchen essentials, gadgets, and cookware!
- I buy this bulk pack of Luzianne iced tea bags so that I’ve always got plenty on hand.
- Here is a nice 1 gallon size glass pitcher with a lid I sometimes use for this.
- Store the rest of your lemon in a cute lemon saver to keep it fresher for longer.
What to serve with sweet tea
- Serve it up with summer BBQ favorites like the Best Coleslaw, zesty Easy Macaroni Salad, or Avocado Corn Salad.
- For some proteins, try my Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken Thighs, these Easy Grilled Pork Chops, or Grilled Honey Garlic Shrimp.
Leftovers and storage
- Sweet tea will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. If you’re not drinking it all right away and your pitcher doesn’t have a lid, transfer it to a large airtight jug/other container, or cover with plastic wrap so that the flavor stays fresh.
- You can freeze sweet tea for 3 months if needed.
I hope you find that my version is the best sweet tea you’ve tried! Please leave a star rating and review below if you made it, or tag me on Instagram with any S&L creations.
Sweet Tea
Equipment
Ingredients
- 6 cups + 6 cups cold water
- 3 (0.25 ounce/7g) tea bags see note
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- For serving: sliced fresh lemon, ice
Instructions
- *Read the note below on tea bags before starting – very important!* Add the first 6 cups of water into a medium saucepan over medium-high heat and bring it to a boil.
- Turn the burner off and add the tea bags. Steep for 3 minutes. During the steeping process, gently stir a couple of times. I like my sweet tea to be medium strength. If you like stronger tea, leave it to steep for another 30 seconds to one minute, but be careful because the longer you leave the tea bags, the more tannins are released, making the tea bitter.
- Remove the tea bags, then stir in the sugar gradually until it's fully dissolved. I like it to be medium sweetness, but you can adjust the sugar accordingly.
- Take the pan off the stove and let it cool for 20 minutes.
- Pour the steeped tea into a pitcher and add an additional 6 cups of cold water. Refrigerate until ready to serve. If you are serving the tea within a couple of hours, then you can add the ice and lemon to the pitcher at this point. If you're making it ahead of time, add the ice and lemon approximately one hour before serving.
Notes
- The brand and size of the tea bags matters! We always use Luzianne “family size” unsweetened iced tea bags that are specifically designed for iced tea, and they’re larger than regular tea bags. These tea bags are 7g (.25 ounces). A typical tea bag is approx. 3g (0.11 oz), so you would need 7 tea bags if you’re working with that size. You may also encounter giant 28g (1 oz) tea bags that are designed to make one gallon of tea. This recipe yields about 3/4 gallon of tea, so if you want to use one of those giant tea bags, you would use a total of 16 cups of water, 1.25 cups of sugar, and the steeping time remains the same.
- To make unsweetened iced tea, follow the same instructions and omit the sugar.
- This recipe makes approximately 12 glasses each filled with 8 oz. of tea, and the nutrition info is for one glass.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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I’m addicted to this sweet tea. Soooo refreshing during this heat-wave. Now I know why my home-made ice-teas never tasted right. I needed Luzianne tea bags, a gorgeous mix of orange pekoe and black leaves. Amazon to the rescue!
I’m so happy you gave it a try!! 😀 Thanks for your review, Althea!
Hi, I’m from the South and my mom always had a pitcher of sweet tea in the fridge every day
and as a Southerner,you’ve got the recipe correct 😂😂
Yay!!! That’s so nice to hear, Mary! 😀
Exactly how I make it for my Southern husband who must have his sweet tea!! LUZIANNE does
taste best
Yay!! Thank you, Tina!!
Was lucky to visit Natasha when she was testing this recipe and had a glass of this tea. It was perfectly balanced and refreshing. Not too sweet and the tea flavor was subtle and pleasant.
As an experiment, I went to Raising Cane’s to try their tea and Natasha recipe beats it by a landslide!
Can’t wait to make this at my next BBQ!
Awww thanks, friend!!! 😀 I’m so happy you liked it. You can be my taste tester anytime. Appreciate your review!! XO