There’s something iconic about sipping a tall glass of Southern Sweet Tea—the clink of ice, the deep amber color, and that unmistakable sugary smoothness. It’s more than a drink in the South—it’s a tradition, a welcome, and often, a family recipe passed down for generations.

Here’s how to make authentic Southern Sweet Tea at home—with a few optional twists if you want to make it your own.

Southern Sweet Tea Recipe

Ingredients:

· 8 Lenier’s English Breakfast tea bags (or 2 tablespoon loose leaf black tea)

· 1 to 1½ cups granulated sugar (adjust to taste)

· 6–8 cups water

· Ice (lots of it!)

· Lemon slices or mint for garnish (optional)

🍯 Instructions:

1. Boil Water
In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil.

2. Steep the Tea
Remove from heat. Add the tea bags and let steep for 8–10 minutes for full flavor.

3. Sweeten It
Remove tea bags and stir in the sugar while the tea is still hot. This is key—Southern tea gets its sweetness from dissolving sugar while hot.

4. Dilute & Chill
Pour the sweet tea concentrate into a large pitcher. Add 4 more cups of cold water (or enough to reach your desired strength). Refrigerate until very cold.

5. Serve It Right
Fill tall glasses with ice, pour in the tea, and garnish with lemon wedges or a sprig of mint if you're feeling fancy.

🍓 Optional Twists (Southern-Style with a Twist)

· Peach Sweet Tea: Add a splash of peach nectar or muddled fresh peaches.

· Mint Sweet Tea: Steep fresh mint leaves with the tea bags.

· Spiked Sweet Tea: Add bourbon or vodka for a Southern cocktail twist (adults only, y’all).

💡 Tips for the Perfect Sweet Tea

· Use good tea: any of our black tea works well. You can adjust for your taste.

· Don’t oversteep: This can make your tea bitter. Aim for 8–10 minutes max.

· Adjust sugar early: Too sweet? Use less next time. Not sweet enough? Stir in simple syrup after chilling.

· Serve over plenty of ice: Southern tea is meant to be ice cold and refreshing, especially in that summer heat.

Final Sip 🫖

Southern Sweet Tea is pure comfort in a glass—bold, refreshing, and unapologetically sweet. Whether you're on a porch swing in Georgia or just dreaming of summer afternoons, one sip of this classic takes you straight to the heart of the South.