19 Best Southern Iced Tea Recipe Experience Flavor Like Never Before!
Published on: Mar 11, 2024
If you’re from the South, you know that nothing beats a refreshing glass of iced tea on a hot summer day. The perfect combination of sweetness and tanginess, iced tea is a staple in every Southern household. But with so many variations and recipes out there, it can be overwhelming to find the best one. Fear not, because we have the ultimate southern iced tea recipe that will have you sipping and smiling all summer long.
Main Ingredients: Tea Bags, Boiling Water, Sugar, Cold Water, Baking
In the South, there's nothing quite like a tall glass of sweet iced tea on a hot summer day. It's the perfect refreshing beverage that quenches your thirst and satisfies your sweet tooth. And when it comes to making the perfect Southern sweet iced tea, there are a few things you need to know to ensure it's never bitter.
To start, use quality tea bags or loose leaf tea. Some popular choices for Southern sweet tea include black tea, green tea, and herbal tea blends. It's important to steep the tea for the recommended time on the package to get the right balance of flavor. And when it comes to sweetening your tea, opt for natural sweeteners like honey or agave instead of sugar for a healthier twist.
Tip: For an extra burst of flavor, add a few slices of lemon or sprigs of mint to your sweet tea.
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How to Make Perfect Southern Sweet Iced Tea
Main Ingredients: Tea Bags, Water, Baking Soda, Ice, Sugar, Mint Sprigs
If you're new to making sweet tea, it may seem like a daunting task. But with a few simple steps, you'll be sipping on the perfect Southern sweet iced tea in no time. First, start by boiling a pot of water and adding your desired amount of tea bags or loose leaf tea. Let it steep for the recommended time, then remove the tea bags or strain the loose leaf tea.
Next, add your preferred sweetener while the tea is still hot, stirring until fully dissolved. This will ensure that the sweetener is evenly distributed throughout the tea. Then, transfer the tea to a pitcher and add cold water, stirring to combine. Refrigerate until chilled, then serve over ice for a delicious and refreshing beverage.
Take your sweet tea to the next level with the addition of fresh strawberries. To make this Southern specialty, simply follow the steps for making perfect Southern sweet tea, but add a few sliced strawberries to the pitcher before refrigerating. The strawberries will infuse their sweet flavor into the tea, creating a delicious and unique twist on the classic beverage.
Tip: For a fun and festive touch, serve your Southern strawberry sweet iced tea in mason jars with a strawberry slice and sprig of mint on top.
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Southern Fresh Peach Iced Tea
Main Ingredients: Fresh Peaches, Water, Granulated Sugar, Lemon, Tea Bags
Peaches are another popular fruit that can be added to sweet tea for a burst of flavor. To make Southern fresh peach iced tea, follow the same steps as the strawberry version, but use sliced peaches instead. You can also use peach-flavored tea bags for an even stronger peach flavor.
Tip: For an adult version, add a splash of peach schnapps or bourbon to your peach iced tea.
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Southern Mint Iced Tea Gelato
Main Ingredients: Milk, Heavy Cream, Egg Yolks, Sugar, Mint Sprigs
If you're looking for a unique and delicious way to enjoy your sweet tea, try turning it into gelato! This Southern mint iced tea gelato recipe combines the refreshing flavors of sweet tea and fresh mint for a cool and creamy treat. It's the perfect dessert for a hot summer day.
To make this gelato, start by making a batch of sweet tea and adding a few sprigs of fresh mint while it's still hot. Let the tea cool completely, then strain out the mint leaves and freeze the tea in an ice cube tray. Once frozen, blend the tea cubes with heavy cream and sugar, then freeze until firm. Serve in a bowl or cone for a delicious and unique dessert.
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Southern Cornbread – Southern Skillet Cornbread
Main Ingredients: Butter, Yellow Cornmeal, Flour, Baking Soda, Salt
No Southern meal is complete without a side of cornbread, and this Southern skillet cornbread recipe is a must-try. Made in a cast-iron skillet, this cornbread has a crisp and golden crust with a moist and fluffy interior. It's the perfect accompaniment to any Southern dish, from barbecue to fried chicken.
To make this cornbread, combine cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. In a separate bowl, mix together buttermilk, melted butter, and beaten eggs. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until fully combined. Pour the batter into a greased cast-iron skillet and bake until golden brown.
This Southern comfort food favorite is a staple in many households. Smothered chicken is a simple and hearty dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal or Sunday dinner. It consists of chicken smothered in a rich and flavorful gravy, served over rice or mashed potatoes.
To make smothered chicken, season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs and spices. Brown the chicken in a skillet, then remove it from the pan. In the same skillet, make a roux with butter and flour, then add chicken broth and seasonings. Return the chicken to the pan and let it simmer until cooked through and the gravy has thickened. Serve over rice or mashed potatoes.
Cooked collard greens are a staple side dish in Southern cuisine. They are traditionally cooked with smoked meats, like ham hocks or bacon, for added flavor. Collard greens are high in nutrients and provide a delicious and healthy addition to any meal.
To make Southern collard greens, sauté onions and garlic in a large pot, then add chopped collard greens, chicken broth, and your choice of smoked meat. Simmer until the greens are tender, then season with salt, pepper, and a splash of vinegar for a tangy kick.
Cornbread dressing is a classic Southern dish that is often served at Thanksgiving alongside turkey and other traditional sides. This savory dressing is made with crumbled cornbread, aromatic vegetables, and herbs, and can be customized with your choice of add-ins, like sausage or pecans.
To make this dressing, start by baking a batch of cornbread, then let it cool and crumble it into pieces. Sauté onions, celery, and bell pepper in a skillet, then add the crumbled cornbread, chicken broth, and seasonings. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake until golden brown and crispy on top.
Oxtails are a Southern delicacy that is often smothered in a rich and flavorful gravy. This dish takes time to cook but is well worth the wait for the tender and juicy meat that falls off the bone. Serve smothered oxtails over rice or with a side of mashed potatoes.
To make this dish, season oxtails with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs and spices. Brown them in a skillet, then remove them from the pan. In the same skillet, make a roux with butter and flour, then add beef broth and seasonings. Return the oxtails to the pan and let them simmer until tender and the gravy has thickened.
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Classic Flaky Southern Biscuits
Main Ingredients: Flour, Whole Milk, Butter, Sugar, Baking Powder, Salt
No meal in the South is complete without a batch of homemade biscuits. These flaky and buttery biscuits are perfect for serving with breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They are quick and easy to make, using just a few pantry staples.
To make these biscuits, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and butter in a bowl. Gradually add milk, stirring until the dough comes together. Gently knead the dough on a floured surface, then cut out biscuits with a round cutter and bake until golden brown. Serve warm with butter or your favorite jam.
No Southern potluck or family gathering is complete without a dish of baked macaroni and cheese. This cheesy and creamy casserole is a crowd-pleaser and can be customized with your favorite cheeses and toppings.
To make this Southern staple, cook macaroni until al dente, then drain and set aside. In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to make a roux. Gradually add milk and whisk until thick and creamy. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese and seasonings. Mix the sauce with the macaroni and transfer to a baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs and bake until bubbly and golden brown.
A twist on the classic baked macaroni and cheese, this Southern version uses a combination of cheddar and Velveeta cheese for an extra creamy and cheesy dish. It's perfect for serving as a side dish or as a main course.
To make this baked mac and cheese, follow the same steps as the classic version, but use a combination of shredded cheddar and cubed Velveeta cheese. The Velveeta adds a smooth and velvety texture to the dish, making it even more indulgent.
If you love pecan pie, then you'll love these Southern pecan pie bars. They have all the flavors of the classic dessert, but in a convenient and bite-sized form. These bars are perfect for parties and potlucks and are easy to make with just a few simple ingredients.
To make these bars, start by making a shortbread crust with flour, butter, and sugar. Then, mix together eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, and chopped pecans to make the filling. Pour the filling over the crust and bake until set. Let the bars cool, then slice into squares and serve.
Peach cobbler is a classic Southern dessert that is loved by many. This dish is made with fresh peaches and topped with a buttery and crumbly crust for the perfect combination of sweet and tangy. It's best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
To make this cobbler, start by peeling and slicing fresh peaches and placing them in a baking dish. In a bowl, mix together flour, sugar, and milk to make the cobbler crust, then pour it over the peaches. Bake until golden brown and bubbly, then serve with ice cream.
This classic Southern dish is a must-try for anyone looking to experience the flavors of the South. These collard greens are cooked low and slow with smoked meat and a variety of seasonings for a hearty and comforting side dish.
To make this dish, follow the same steps as Southern collard greens, but omit any additional vegetables and keep the seasoning simple with just salt and pepper. This allows the flavor of the collard greens and smoked meat to shine through.
Pimento cheese is a popular Southern spread that is great for snacking, sandwiches, and burgers. This homemade version is made with sharp cheddar cheese, cream cheese, mayonnaise, and diced pimentos for a creamy and tangy spread that is full of flavor.
To make this pimento cheese, simply mix all the ingredients together until well combined. You can also add in other ingredients, like jalapenos or bacon, for a unique twist on the classic spread.
Cabbage is a versatile and budget-friendly vegetable that is often used in Southern cooking. This dish is made with sautéed cabbage and onions for a simple and delicious side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses.
To make Southern cabbage, thinly slice a head of cabbage and sauté it in a skillet with butter, onions, and your choice of seasonings. Cook until the cabbage is tender and slightly caramelized for a flavorful and satisfying side dish.
Cornbread is a staple in Southern cuisine, and there are many variations of this classic dish. This recipe for Southern cornbread is simple and delicious, with a slightly sweet and crumbly texture that pairs well with a bowl of chili or a plate of collard greens.
To make this cornbread, mix together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a bowl. In a separate bowl, mix together buttermilk, melted butter, and beaten eggs. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until fully combined. Pour the batter into a greased baking dish and bake until golden brown.
Sausage gravy is a classic Southern breakfast staple that is often served over biscuits. This creamy and flavorful gravy is made with sausage, milk, and a few simple seasonings for a hearty and satisfying meal.
To make this Southern sausage gravy, brown sausage in a skillet, then remove it from the pan. In the same skillet, make a roux with butter and flour, then gradually add milk and whisk until thick and creamy. Add the cooked sausage back to the pan and let it simmer until heated through. Serve over warm biscuits for a delicious breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients and Equipment
To make the best Southern iced tea, you’ll need a few key ingredients and equipment. First and foremost, you’ll need black tea bags. The type of tea bags you use will greatly affect the flavor of your iced tea, so be sure to choose a high-quality brand. Other essential ingredients include water, sugar, and lemon juice. For equipment, you’ll need a large pot, a pitcher, and a strainer.
The Perfect Brew
The secret to a delicious Southern iced tea lies in the brewing process. Start by bringing 8 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Once the water is boiling, remove it from the heat and add 4-6 black tea bags, depending on how strong you want your tea. Let the tea steep for 5-7 minutes, then remove the tea bags and discard them.
Add Some Sweetness
While the tea is still hot, it’s time to add some sweetness. The key to a perfectly sweetened iced tea is to make a simple syrup. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water and bring it to a boil, stirring constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved. Once the syrup is ready, add it to the pitcher with the brewed tea and stir well.
Adding a Tangy Twist
To give your iced tea that classic Southern tanginess, add 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice to the pitcher. You can also add some lemon slices for an extra burst of flavor. Stir everything together and let the tea cool to room temperature.
Serve and Enjoy
Once your iced tea has cooled, it’s time to serve and enjoy! Fill glasses with ice and pour the tea over it. Garnish with lemon slices and fresh mint leaves for a refreshing touch. This best Southern iced tea recipe is perfect for sipping on a hot summer day or serving at a backyard barbecue.
Now that you have the perfect southern iced tea recipe, it’s time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the taste of the South in every sip. Impress your friends and family with this delicious and easy-to-make recipe. Cheers to a summer filled with the best iced tea you’ll ever taste!
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