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Close up front shot showing how to make a sweet tea recipe from scratch
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5 from 2 votes

Sweet Tea Recipe

A classic Southern Sweet Tea recipe is an easy and refreshing summertime treat!
Course Drinks
Cuisine American, Southern
Keyword Lipton Sweet Tea Recipe, southern sweet tea, sweet tea recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Chilling Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings 16 cups (1 gallon)
Calories 48kcal
Author Blair Lonergan

Ingredients

  • 12 regular-size black tea bags (or 3 family-size tea bags)
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (or more or less, to taste)
  • 1 gallon water, divided
  • For serving: ice; lemon wedges; fresh mint

Instructions

  • Bring 4 cups of water barely to a boil. You can do this on the stovetop, or you can heat the water in the microwave for about 6-7 minutes. Add the tea bags and baking soda to the hot (but not boiling) water and steep for 4-5 minutes.
  • Whisk sugar into the hot tea until the sugar is completely dissolved.
  • Pour tea into a gallon-size pitcher. Add 3 more quarts (12 cups) of water to the pitcher; stir.
  • Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight. Pour over ice and serve with lemon wedges and fresh mint, if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 48kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Sodium: 17mg | Sugar: 12g