Perfect Southern Sweet Iced Tea for Refreshing Sips
Enjoy a refreshing Sweet Iced Tea that captures the essence of summer with simple ingredients.
Equipment
- Small saucepan
- 1-gallon pitcher
Ingredients
For the Tea Base
- 3 bags family-sized black tea Or substitute with 12 individual tea bags.
- 4 cups water Use filtered water for a cleaner taste.
- 1 cup granulated sugar Adjust to taste if less sweetness is preferred.
For Serving
- Ice Fill glasses generously.
- Fresh mint leaves or lemon slices Optional garnish for flavor.
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Boil water in a small saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Dunk and steep tea bags in the boiling water for 5 minutes.
- Add granulated sugar to the warm tea and stir until dissolved.
- Pour tea base into a 1-gallon pitcher.
- Add 3 more quarts of water and stir gently.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- Serve over ice and garnish with mint or lemon if desired.
Notes
For the best Sweet Iced Tea, use high-quality ingredients and allow ample chill time for optimal flavor.