15 Best Southern Sweet Iced Tea Recipe Savor The Mouthwatering Goodness!
Published on: Mar 11, 2024
For many Southerners, a tall glass of sweet iced tea is the quintessential drink of summer. With its refreshing and flavorful taste, it's no wonder that this beloved beverage has become a staple in Southern households. While there are countless variations of sweet tea recipes, we've scoured the South to find the best one yet. So grab your pitcher and get ready to make the perfect batch of Southern sweet iced tea with this tried and tested recipe.
Main Ingredients: Tea Bags, Boiling Water, Sugar, Cold Water, Baking
Nothing beats a refreshing glass of iced tea on a hot summer day. And when it comes to iced tea, the South knows how to do it right. This recipe for perfect southern sweet iced tea is sure to satisfy your taste buds and quench your thirst.
Made with just a few simple ingredients, this sweet tea is never bitter, unlike some store-bought versions. It's the perfect balance of sweetness and tea flavor, making it a favorite among southerners and non-southerners alike.
To make this delicious drink, you'll need some tea bags, water, and sugar. But the secret ingredient that takes this sweet tea to the next level is a little bit of baking soda. This might sound strange, but trust us, it makes all the difference.
2of 20
How to Make Perfect Southern Sweet Iced Tea
Main Ingredients: Tea Bags, Water, Baking Soda, Ice, Sugar, Mint Sprigs
Now that you know the secret ingredient, let's dive into the recipe for perfect southern sweet iced tea.
Start by bringing four cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Once the water is boiling, remove it from the heat and add in six tea bags. Let the tea steep for about five minutes, or until it reaches your desired strength. Then, remove the tea bags and stir in 3/4 cup of sugar and 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda. The baking soda helps to neutralize any bitterness from the tea, resulting in a smoother and sweeter taste.
Next, add four cups of cold water to the tea mixture and stir well. If you want to speed up the cooling process, you can also add in some ice cubes. Once the tea is at room temperature, you can transfer it to a pitcher and refrigerate until ready to serve.
If you're a fan of fruity flavors, then this southern strawberry sweet iced tea is a must-try. It combines the classic southern sweet tea with the sweet and tangy taste of fresh strawberries.
To make this delicious drink, follow the same steps as the original recipe but add in 1/2 cup of pureed strawberries before refrigerating. You can also add in some fresh strawberry slices for an extra burst of flavor.
4of 20
Southern Fresh Peach Iced Tea
Main Ingredients: Fresh Peaches, Water, Granulated Sugar, Lemon, Tea Bags
Another fruity twist on the classic southern sweet iced tea is this recipe for southern fresh peach iced tea. Using fresh peaches adds a natural sweetness and a hint of peach flavor to the tea.
To make this version, follow the same steps as the original recipe but add in 1/4 cup of peach puree. You can also add in some peach slices for garnish.
5of 20
Southern Mint Iced Tea Gelato
Main Ingredients: Milk, Heavy Cream, Egg Yolks, Sugar, Mint Sprigs
Now, this is a unique twist on iced tea. This southern mint iced tea gelato combines the refreshing taste of sweet iced tea with the creamy texture of gelato.
To make this frozen treat, follow the same steps as the original recipe but add in 1/2 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 cup of chopped fresh mint leaves. The result is a creamy and refreshing dessert that's perfect for those hot summer days.
6of 20
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 recipe for southern skillet cornbread is the perfect addition to any meal.
Made in a cast-iron skillet, this cornbread has a crispy crust and a soft and moist center. The key to achieving this perfect texture is to use a hot skillet and melted butter.
Pro tip: For extra flavor, you can add in some chopped jalapenos or shredded cheddar cheese to the batter before baking.
When it comes to comfort food, southern smothered chicken is a classic. This dish is made with tender chicken, smothered in a rich and flavorful gravy.
The key to achieving the perfect smothered chicken is to cook it low and slow. This allows the chicken to become tender and absorb all the delicious flavors from the gravy. Serve it over rice or with some mashed potatoes for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Collard greens are a staple in southern cuisine, and this recipe for classic southern collard greens is a must-try. Made with bacon, onions, and chicken broth, these greens are packed with flavor.
Pro tip: For a vegetarian version, you can omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead. You can also add in some hot sauce or apple cider vinegar for a little extra kick.
Southern cornbread dressing is a must-have side dish for any southern holiday meal. It's made with crumbled cornbread, onions, celery, and plenty of herbs and spices.
To take this dish to the next level, you can add in some cooked and crumbled sausage or diced apples for a touch of sweetness.
Oxtails may not be the most common cut of meat, but in the south, they are a beloved and flavorful dish. This recipe for southern smothered oxtails is slow-cooked in a rich and savory gravy until the meat is fall-off-the-bone tender.
Pro tip: For an extra kick of flavor, you can add in a couple of tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce to the gravy.
11of 20
Classic Flaky Southern Biscuits
Main Ingredients: Flour, Whole Milk, Butter, Sugar, Baking Powder, Salt
Southern biscuits are a breakfast staple in the south. They are flaky, buttery, and oh-so-delicious. This recipe for classic southern biscuits is simple but yields incredible results.
To achieve the perfect flakiness, make sure to use cold butter and handle the dough as little as possible. For an extra indulgent treat, you can brush the tops of the biscuits with melted butter before baking.
Mac and cheese is a beloved comfort food, and this southern baked mac and cheese takes it to a whole new level. Made with a creamy and cheesy sauce, this dish is then topped with a crispy breadcrumb topping and baked to perfection.
You can add in some bacon, ham, or diced jalapenos for some extra flavor and texture.
Pecan pie is a classic southern dessert, and these southern pecan pie bars offer all the deliciousness of the traditional pie but in bar form. With a buttery shortbread crust and a gooey pecan filling, these bars are sure to be a hit.
If you want to switch things up, you can also make these bars with walnuts, almonds, or a combination of nuts.
No southern dessert list would be complete without peach cobbler. This southern peach cobbler is made with fresh peaches, a flaky pastry topping, and a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar.
For an extra indulgent treat, serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
Another classic southern side dish is collard greens. This recipe for classic southern collard greens is simple but packed with flavor. Made with bacon, onions, and chicken broth, these greens are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
For an extra kick of flavor, you can add in some hot sauce or apple cider vinegar to the greens while they are cooking.
Pimento cheese is a staple in the south. This creamy and cheesy spread is made with cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and diced pimentos. You can add in some jalapenos for a little heat or some chopped bacon for extra flavor.
Cabbage may not be the most exciting vegetable, but in the south, it's transformed into a delicious side dish. This southern cabbage is cooked in bacon grease and seasoned with onions and garlic for a flavor-packed dish.
If you want to add some protein, you can also add in some diced ham or cooked bacon to the dish.
We've already talked about southern skillet cornbread, but did you know there are other variations of cornbread in the south? This recipe for southern cornbread is made in a baking dish and has a slightly sweeter taste than skillet cornbread.
For added flavor and texture, you can add in some corn kernels, diced jalapenos, or shredded cheese to the batter before baking.
Southern sausage gravy is a classic breakfast dish that's made with crumbled sausage, flour, milk, and plenty of black pepper. This creamy and flavorful gravy is best served over hot biscuits for a hearty and satisfying meal.
With these 20 southern recipes, you'll be able to create a delicious and flavorful meal that will transport you straight to the south. So gather your ingredients, put on some country music, and get cooking! Trust us; your taste buds will thank you.
The Right Tea
When it comes to making the best Southern sweet iced tea, the type of tea you use is crucial. While some may swear by using loose leaf tea, we've found that a good quality black tea bag works just as well. Look for a brand that is known for its strong and bold flavor, such as Lipton or Luzianne. The quality of the tea leaves will directly impact the taste of your sweet tea, so it's important to choose wisely.
Steeping Process
To get the perfect balance of flavor and strength in your sweet tea, the steeping process is key. Start by boiling a pot of water and then removing it from the heat. Add in your tea bags and let them steep for 2-3 minutes. Any longer and your tea may become too bitter. Once steeped, remove the tea bags and let the tea cool to room temperature before transferring it to your pitcher.
Sweetening it Up
Of course, the sweetness of sweet tea is what makes it so irresistible. For the perfect balance of sweet and refreshing, we recommend using a combination of sugar and honey. The sugar will provide the classic sweetness while the honey adds a depth of flavor. For a gallon of tea, we suggest using 1 cup of sugar and ¼ cup of honey, but feel free to adjust to your personal taste.
Chilling and Serving
Once your tea is sweetened to perfection, it's time to chill it in the fridge. The longer it chills, the stronger the flavor will be. When it's time to serve, don't forget the ice! We suggest adding a generous amount of ice to your glass before pouring in the tea. This will help to dilute the tea and prevent it from becoming too sweet. And for an extra touch of flavor, add a few lemon slices to your glass.
With this best Southern sweet iced tea recipe, you'll be sipping on the perfect balance of sweetness and refreshment. So go ahead and impress your friends and family at your next summer gathering with this tried and true recipe. Happy sipping!
