Classic Southern Sweet Tea Recipe

Welcome back to the Modern Sage Life, y'all! Today's gonna be filled with a whole lot of "y'alls" and and sweet treats because today's post is all about one of the most beloved beverages in the Southern United States - sweet tea! 

If you've never had sweet tea, let me enlighten you. 

Sweet tea is a deliciously refreshing beverage made by combining freshly brewed tea with a generous amount of sugar (no surprise there). 

Depending on who makes it/where you've had it from, sweet tea should be sweet, but not too sweet, and has the perfect balance of flavor to sweetness that will have you craving it on a hot summer day.

The Tea on Sweet Tea

Sweet tea has been a staple in the South since the 1800s, but its origins are somewhat murky. 

Some people say that sweet tea was first introduced at the World's Fair in St. Louis in 1904, while others claim it was brought to the South by British colonists in the 1700s. (The Brits do love their tea). 

Regardless of its origins, sweet tea has become an iconic part of Southern culture.

Sweet tea is so prevalent in the South that it's practically a requirement at any type of gathering, barbecue, or church picnic. 

It's the drink of choice on hot summer days, and there's nothing better than sipping on a cold glass of sweet tea while sitting on the front porch.

So, whether you're from the South or just a fan of some good old-fashioned hospitality, grab yourself a tea and lets get ready to learn how to make the perfect brew!

Ingredients

Sweet tea is pretty simple, at it's core you only need three ingredients.

Tea bags - This might seem like a duh, but the type of tea you use is important! No amount of sugar can make up for bad tea. The type of tea you use will impact the overall flavor. Black tea is the most traditional choice, but you can also use green tea or even herbal tea for a different twist on the same recipe.

Water - Another obvious one, but hear me out. The quality of your water will impact the flavor of your tea, so make sure to use clean, fresh water for the best results. Try to avoid city water if at all possible.

Sugar - This is where the "sweet" comes in. The amount of sugar you use is completely up to your tastes, but I will say, don't be afraid to have a generous hand.  You aren't drinking this like water, it's a treat. This is Southern sweet tea we're talking about. If you're trying to steer on the healthier side, go for unrefined/unprocessed cane sugar instead of the granulated white.

*Lemon - This is an optional ingredient, some people love it, others hate it, but it adds a tangy brightness to the tea that's really fun to try.

Recipe

Alright, y'all - it's time to brew up some sweet tea! 

1. Boil water - Start by bringing 4 cups of water to a boil in a pot or kettle.

2. Add tea bags - Once the water is boiling, turn off the heat and add 4 tea bags to the pot. Let the tea steep for 3-5 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea. 

*Note: do not over steep your tea bags or else you will end up with a bitter and astringent after taste.

3. Remove tea bags - After the tea has steeped, remove the tea bags and discard them.

4. Add sugar - Stir in 3/4 to 1 cup of sugar (depending on your preference) while the tea is still warm and stir until it dissolves completely.

*Note: you can add a pinch of baking soda here. That little pinch helps make the brew slightly smoother by counteracting the tannins in the tea. 

5. Add water and lemon (optional) - Pour the tea into a pitcher and add 4 more cups of cold water. If you're using lemon, go ahead and add a few slices.

6. Chill and serve - Pop the pitcher in the fridge to chill, then serve over ice and enjoy!

 

Tips and Tricks

If you like your tea extra sweet, add a tablespoon or two of honey in addition to the sugar. When I'm in the mood for extra sweet I combine stevia instead of honey, so you could try that too.

For a fancy flavor, try brewing your tea with a cinnamon stick or a few sprigs of fresh mint.

Make sure to stir the sugar until it dissolves completely - adding the sugar when the tea is still warm really helps with this step!

If you're short on time, you can use designated "iced tea bags" instead of regular tea bags. Just follow the instructions on the package for the perfect brew.

And have fun experimenting with different types of tea and different levels of sweetness until you find your perfect blend. Make sweet tea the way you like it. 

Fun Variations

There are endless possibilities when it comes to sweet tea, but here are two of our favorites to get those creative juices flowing.

Mint Sweet Tea 

Follow the classic sweet tea recipe, but add a handful of fresh mint leaves to the pot when you add the tea bags.

Let the mint steep with the tea for 3-5 minutes, then remove the tea bags and mint leaves.

Add sugar to taste and stir until dissolved.

Pour the tea into a pitcher, add cold water, and chill in the fridge.

Serve over ice and enjoy the refreshing taste of mint sweet tea!

Peach Sweet Tea

Start by making a batch of classic sweet tea using the instructions above.

While the tea is steeping, slice 2-3 fresh peaches and add them to a saucepan with 1/2 cup of water.

Bring the peach mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-10 minutes, until the peaches are soft and fragrant.

Remove the pan from the heat and strain the peach mixture into a separate container.

Once the tea has finished steeping, remove the tea bags and stir in the peach syrup.

Add sugar to taste and stir until dissolved.

Pour the tea into a pitcher, add cold water, and chill in the fridge.

Serve over ice and enjoy the delicious taste of peach sweet tea!

These are just two examples of the many variations you can make with sweet tea. So go ahead, get creative, and see what delicious combinations you can come up with! Strawberry lime is a delicious favorite.

Serve it Up

Now that you've got your sweet tea recipe down pat, you're gonna want to serve it up in style. Here are some fun suggestions:

Lemon Sweet Tea - Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to your sweet tea for a tangy twist. It's the perfect complement to a hot summer day! And the lemon slices look super pretty in the pitcher.

Over Ice - We all know sweet tea is best served over a generous glass of ice. 

Paired with Meals - Sweet tea is a staple and for good reason as it goes perfectly with all the classics like fried chicken, BBQ, and fried green tomatoes.

With Desserts - I personally think of sweet tea as a dessert in and over itself, but it is very popular to pair it with dessert. Talk about a sugar rush. Fruity desserts like peach cobbler are the way to go. 

Fancy it up - Make it pretty to look at. After all we eat (or in this case drink) with out eyes. So serve your sweet tea in a mason jar or a pretty pitcher. Garnish with fresh herbs like mint or rosemary for an extra touch of charm.

Remember, sweet tea is a social drink that brings people together. So it will always taste sweeter when enjoyed with good friends and family.

Final Thoughts

Sweet tea is a classic Southern drink made with tea, sugar, and water.

The history of sweet tea is rooted in the South, and it's a beloved beverage in the region.

To make sweet tea, you'll need tea bags, sugar, and water.

There are endless variations on sweet tea, including mint and peach.

Sweet tea is best served over ice and pairs well with Southern cuisine and desserts.

Don't forget to get creative with how you serve your sweet tea!

Try making sweet tea for yourself and see how it stacks up to your favorite store-bought brands. 

It's easy, delicious, and a great way to impress your friends and family at your next meal.

If you're looking for more inspiration, check out some of our other blog posts on food and beverages.

Easy and Delicious Cool Mint Syrup

(More to be added)

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