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Homemade Sweet Tea

Homemade Sweet Tea – A Southern Classic for Every Season

This classic Southern-style sweet tea is brewed with black tea bags, sweetened just right, and served ice-cold. It’s a refreshing, nostalgic drink perfect for any occasion, easy to make and endlessly customizable.

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: About 6 cups (4–6 servings) 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups water (divided)
  • 4–6 black tea bags (like Lipton or Luzianne)
  • ¾ to 1 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 2 cups cold water or ice
  • Lemon slices or fresh mint (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Boil 3 cups of water.
  2. Steep tea bags in hot water for 10 minutes, then remove.
  3. Stir in sugar while warm until dissolved.
  4. Add remaining 3 cups cold water (or ice) and mix well.
  5. Chill in the refrigerator. Serve over ice with optional lemon or mint.
  • Author: Norah
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Drinks / Beverages
  • Method: Steeping / Infusion
  • Cuisine: Southern American

Keywords: homemade sweet tea, Southern sweet tea, iced tea, black tea recipe, summer tea, easy sweet tea