18 Best Southern Sun Tea Recipe Unlock Flavor Sensations!
Published on: Mar 28, 2024
Sun tea is a quintessential summer beverage, and there's no better way to enjoy it than with a classic southern recipe. The slow steeping process in the warm sun brings out the best flavors in your chosen tea leaves, creating a refreshing and delicious beverage. Whether you're hosting a backyard BBQ or just looking for a cool drink to enjoy on a hot day, this recipe is sure to become your go-to for a perfect pitcher of sun tea.
Nothing says "Southern" quite like a tall glass of sweet tea. This classic beverage is a staple at backyard barbecues, family gatherings, and lazy summer days. But have you ever considered using sweet tea as a flavoring for other dishes? Here are 20 delicious recipes that incorporate sweet tea into the cooking process, resulting in mouthwatering dishes that are sure to impress.
Why not start with the basics? Sweet sun tea is a simple and refreshing drink that is perfect for hot summer days. Simply combine your favorite black tea bags with water and let it sit in the sun for a few hours. Then add in some honey or sugar to sweeten it up and lemon for a citrusy kick. Serve over ice and enjoy!
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Juanita's Sweet Tea - Southern Sweet Tea
Main Ingredients: Boiling Water, Tea Bag, Granulated Sugar, Cold Water
This is a recipe that has been passed down through generations in the South. Juanita's sweet tea is a beloved family recipe that uses just the right amount of peach and honey to give it a unique and delicious flavor. It's the perfect drink to enjoy on a front porch swing while watching the sunset.
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Southern Style Strawberry Sweet Tea
Main Ingredients: Frozen Strawberries, Water, Coconut Sugar, Tea Bags
Take your sweet tea to the next level with the addition of fresh strawberries. This recipe combines the sweetness of the berries with the classic flavor of sweet tea. It's a match made in heaven and is sure to be a hit at your next summer gathering.
If you're looking for a refreshing and healthy twist on sweet tea, try this recipe that incorporates a variety of fruits such as pineapple, orange, and lemon. The result is a fruity and flavorful drink that is perfect for sipping by the pool.
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Southern Strawberry Sweet Tea!
Main Ingredients: Water, Tea Bags, Sugar, Lemon Juiced, Lime Juiced
Another way to infuse your sweet tea with the delicious flavor of strawberries is to make this recipe that uses a strawberry simple syrup. It's easy to make and adds a burst of berry goodness to every sip.
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Ginger Lemon Sun Tea
Main Ingredients: Tea, Water, Fresh Mint, Lemon, Ice, Raw Honey
This recipe takes the classic sun tea to a whole new level by adding in the zesty flavors of ginger and lemon. The result is a refreshing and revitalizing drink that is perfect for hot summer days.
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Sun Tea
Main Ingredients: Water, Tea Leaves
For a more traditional take on sun tea, try this recipe that uses a combination of black tea bags and mint leaves. The mint adds a refreshing twist to the classic drink and makes it the perfect beverage to enjoy on a hot day.
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Mint Julep Iced Tea
Main Ingredients: Fresh Mint Leaves, Lemon, Lime, Bourbon, Tea, Mint
Speaking of mint, this recipe combines the flavors of a classic Southern mint julep with iced tea. The result is a delicious and unique drink that is perfect for a summer brunch or afternoon picnic.
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Southern Lemonade Tea
Main Ingredients: Cold Water, Tea Bags, Lemons, Granulated Sugar
Lemonade and sweet tea are both quintessential Southern drinks, so why not combine them into one delicious beverage? This recipe does just that, resulting in a flavorful and refreshing drink that is perfect for any occasion.
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Southern Sweet Tea With a Secret Ingredient
Main Ingredients: Baking Soda, Water, Tea Bags, Sugar
This recipe takes the traditional sweet tea and adds a secret ingredient that takes it to a whole new level. The result is a unique and delicious drink that will have your guests asking for the recipe.
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Peach Sweet Tea | Kentucky Derby Drink
Main Ingredients: Sugar, Tea, Water, Peaches, Whiskey
Peaches are a staple in Southern cuisine, and this recipe incorporates them into a classic sweet tea for a refreshing and fruity twist. This drink is perfect for sipping while watching the Kentucky Derby or any other summer event.
If you can't get enough of peaches, try this recipe that uses fresh peach slices to infuse the sweet tea with their delicious flavor. It's a refreshing and healthy way to enjoy this classic drink.
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Southern Sweet Tea Granita
Main Ingredients: Water, Sugar, Tea Bags, Heavy Cream, Lemon Zest
Granita is a frozen dessert that is similar to sorbet, and this recipe takes sweet tea and turns it into a delicious and refreshing treat. It's the perfect way to cool off on a hot summer day.
If you're looking for the perfect recipe for classic sweet tea, look no further. This recipe uses black tea bags, sugar, and a touch of lemon for a perfectly balanced and delicious drink.
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Southern Sweet Iced Tea | Best Southern Sweet Tea...
Main Ingredients: Tea Bags, Boiling Water, Sugar, Cold Water
This recipe claims to be the best Southern sweet tea you'll ever taste, and we have to agree. With a few simple ingredients and some love, this sweet tea is sure to become a favorite in your household.
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Sun Tea Mojito
Main Ingredients: Fresh Lime Juice, Mint Leaf, Xylitol, Tea
This recipe takes the classic mojito and adds a twist by using sun tea as the base. The result is a refreshing and alcoholic version of the classic sweet tea that is perfect for sipping on a warm summer evening.
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Spiked Sun Tea
Main Ingredients: Sugar, Water, Tea, Gin, Lemon Rind
For another adult twist on sun tea, try this recipe that adds vodka and peach schnapps to the mix. It's a fun and flavorful drink that is perfect for a backyard barbecue or pool party.
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Plum and Mint Infused Sweet Tea
Main Ingredients: Water, Sugar, Tea, Fresh Mint, Plums
Plums may not be the first fruit that comes to mind when you think of sweet tea, but this recipe is sure to change your mind. The combination of plum and mint creates a unique and delicious flavor that will have you coming back for more.
This recipe stays true to the classic Southern style of sweet tea, using just the right amount of sugar and lemon to create a perfectly balanced and delicious drink. It's the perfect way to cool off on a hot day.
These 20 recipes are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to incorporating sweet tea into your cooking. Get creative and experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create your own unique sweet tea dishes. And don't forget to sip and enjoy the classic Southern drink in its traditional form as well. Cheers to sweet tea!
The Importance of Choosing the Right Tea
Types of Tea to Use
When it comes to making the best southern sun tea, the type of tea you use is crucial. Traditionally, black tea is the go-to choice for southern sun tea, as it has a strong and robust flavor that holds up well to the slow steeping process. However, you can also experiment with other types of tea, such as green or herbal, to create unique and flavorful variations. Whichever tea you choose, make sure it is of high quality and is suitable for sun tea brewing.
Benefits of Using Loose Leaf Tea
While using tea bags is a convenient option, using loose leaf tea is highly recommended for making the best southern sun tea. Loose leaf tea allows for better infusion and extraction of flavors, resulting in a more well-rounded and delicious beverage. It also gives you the freedom to adjust the amount of tea used, depending on your preferred strength and taste. Additionally, using loose leaf tea reduces the wastage of excess packaging, making it a more sustainable choice.
Adding Flavor with Fruits and Herbs
To add an extra burst of flavor to your sun tea, consider incorporating fruits and herbs into the mix. Peaches, strawberries, and lemon slices are all popular choices that complement the black tea base. You can also add in herbs like mint or basil for a refreshing and aromatic touch. The longer the tea steeps in the sun, the more flavorful and infused it will become, so don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations.
Steeping Your Sun Tea
The Ideal Pitcher and Water Ratio
When it comes to steeping sun tea, the size and shape of your pitcher are essential. A tall, narrow pitcher is ideal, as it allows for better sun exposure and a more concentrated brew. As for the water ratio, a general rule of thumb is to use one tea bag or teaspoon of loose leaf tea for every cup of water. However, you can adjust this ratio according to your taste preferences.
Choosing the Right Location
The key to making the best southern sun tea is to find the perfect spot for steeping. Choose a location that receives plenty of direct sunlight, but also has a slight shade to prevent the tea from becoming too bitter. Avoid placing the pitcher on heat-absorbing surfaces, such as concrete or metal, as this can affect the brewing process.
Patience is Key
Patience is essential when making sun tea. The slow steeping process may take a few hours, but the end result is worth the wait. Make sure to check on the tea periodically and bring it inside once it reaches your desired strength. Once it's ready, remove the tea bags or strain the loose leaf tea and refrigerate until cold.
With this classic southern sun tea recipe, you can enjoy a refreshing and flavorful beverage with every sip. So grab your pitcher, choose your favorite tea, and start steeping for the perfect summer drink.