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Square side shot of Southern sweet tea on a tray.
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5 from 3 votes

Southern Sweet Tea

A classic Southern sweet tea recipe that's smooth, clear, and refreshing, with a pinch of baking soda that keeps it from ever tasting bitter. It's the perfect pitcher for hot summer days and easy enough to keep on hand all week.
Course Drinks
Cuisine American, Southern
Keyword how to make sweet tea, Lipton Sweet Tea Recipe, southern sweet tea, southern sweet tea recipe, sweet tea, sweet tea recipe
Prep Time 15 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.
    Brewing tea in a glass measuring cup
  • Whisk sugar into the hot tea until the sugar is completely dissolved.
    Adding sugar to sweet tea base
  • Pour tea into a gallon-size pitcher. Add 3 more quarts (12 cups) of water to the pitcher; stir.
    Close overhead shot of a pitcher of sweet tea
  • Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight. Pour over ice and serve with lemon wedges and fresh mint, if desired.
    Square side shot of a tray with a pitcher and glasses of the best sweet tea recipe.

Notes

  • Don't boil the tea bags. Add them to hot water that's just off the boil. Boiling water burns the tea and makes it bitter.
  • The baking soda matters. A pinch neutralizes the tannins, preventing a cloudy look and giving the tea a smoother taste. You won't taste it in the finished pitcher.
  • Dissolve sugar while hot. Whisk the sugar into the hot tea so it dissolves fully. No simple syrup needed, and it won't settle at the bottom.
  • Adjust the sweetness. One cup of sugar makes a moderately sweet gallon. Use ½ cup for lighter tea or up to 1 ½ cups for a sweeter brew.
  • Make it your own. Stir with lemonade for an Arnold Palmer, or add peach, raspberry, or mint.
  • For a crowd. The recipe makes a full gallon and doubles cleanly.
  • Storage. Keep refrigerated for up to 1 week. Don't leave it at room temperature for more than a few hours.

Nutrition

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