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No Southern table is complete without a tall glass of Southern Sweet Tea. This classic recipe is perfectly sweet, incredibly refreshing, and easy to make with just four simple ingredients. A pinch of baking soda helps smooth out any bitterness, creating that signature homemade Southern sweet tea flavor everyone knows and loves.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, holiday gathering, or simply relaxing on the porch, this sweet tea is the perfect drink to keep in the refrigerator all year long.

Servings, Prep Time & Cook Time

Servings: 16

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Steep Time: 15 minutes

Chill Time: 2 hours

Total Time: About 2 hours 20 minutes

Why You’ll Love This Southern Sweet Tea Recipe

  • Classic Southern favorite
  • Perfectly sweet and smooth
  • Only 4 simple ingredients
  • Great for parties and cookouts
  • Easy to make ahead
  • Tastes even better after chilling

Ingredients for Southern Sweet Tea

The Tea

3 family-size tea bags

The family-size tea bags create a bold, rich tea that’s perfect for sweet tea without becoming bitter.

The Sweetener

2 cups granulated sugar

Southern sweet tea is known for its signature sweetness, and adding the sugar while the tea is hot helps it dissolve completely.

The Water

1 gallon water, divided

Using hot water for steeping followed by cold water creates the perfect strength and temperature.

The Secret Ingredient

¼ teaspoon baking soda

A small amount of baking soda neutralizes bitterness and gives sweet tea its smooth, mellow flavor.

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Southern Sweet Tea Recipe
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Southern Sweet Tea Recipe

No Southern table is complete without a tall glass of Southern Sweet Tea. This classic recipe is perfectly sweet, incredibly refreshing, and easy to make with just four simple ingredients. A pinch of baking soda helps smooth out any bitterness, creating that signature homemade Southern sweet tea flavor everyone knows and loves.
Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue, holiday gathering, or simply relaxing on the porch, this sweet tea is the perfect drink to keep in the refrigerator all year long.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chill 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings 16

Ingredients

  • 3 family-size tea bags
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 gallon water divided
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda

Instructions

  • Bring ½ gallon of water to a boil.
  • Pour the hot water into a 1-gallon heat-resistant pitcher.
  • Add the tea bags and baking soda, making sure the tea bags are fully submerged.
  • Steep for 15 minutes.
  • Remove and discard the tea bags.
  • Stir in the sugar until completely dissolved.
  • Add the remaining ½ gallon of cold water and stir well.
  • Refrigerate until thoroughly chilled before serving over ice.

How to Make Southern Sweet Tea

Bring half of the gallon of water to a rolling boil.

Carefully pour the hot water into a large heat-safe pitcher and add the tea bags along with the baking soda. Allow the tea to steep for 15 minutes.

Remove the tea bags and stir in the sugar while the tea is still warm so it dissolves completely.

Add the remaining cold water to the pitcher and stir again.

Refrigerate until well chilled, then serve over plenty of ice with fresh lemon slices or mint if desired.

What to Serve with Southern Sweet Tea

This Southern classic pairs perfectly with:

It’s also delicious served alongside:

  • Fried chicken
  • Pulled pork sandwiches
  • Barbecue ribs
  • Pimento cheese sandwiches

Storage & Reheating

Storage

Store sweet tea covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing

Freeze leftover tea in ice cube trays to use in future glasses without watering down the flavor.

Reheating

This recipe is best served ice cold and does not require reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why add baking soda to sweet tea?

A small amount of baking soda helps neutralize the tannins in black tea, reducing bitterness and creating a smoother flavor.

Can I use regular tea bags?

Yes! Substitute 6 to 8 regular tea bags if you don’t have family-size tea bags.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Absolutely. Adjust the sweetness to your preference while following the same method.

How should I serve Southern sweet tea?

Serve over plenty of ice with lemon slices, fresh mint, or peach slices for a refreshing twist.

Final Thoughts

This Southern Sweet Tea Recipe is a staple in Southern homes for good reason. Smooth, refreshing, and perfectly sweet, it’s the ideal drink for everything from summer cookouts to Sunday dinners. Once you make homemade sweet tea this way, you’ll never want the store-bought version again.

If you make this recipe, tag us so we can see. We love seeing how you style your food and bring a little Southern hospitality into your home.

Enjoy!

McKaylee & Michele
MckMich Collective