19 Perfect Southern Sweet Tea Recipe Get Cooking And Enjoy!

Published on: Mar 13, 2024

If you're a true Southerner, then you know that there's nothing quite like a tall glass of sweet tea on a hot summer day. Whether you're enjoying it on the porch with friends or sipping it at a family barbecue, sweet tea is a staple in Southern households. But, what makes the perfect southern sweet tea recipe? Here, we'll share our tried and true recipe that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and quench your thirst.

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Southern Sweet Tea

Main Ingredients: Water, Tea Bags, Sugar, Lemons, Fresh Mint

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The classic Southern sweet tea is a staple at any backyard barbecue or family gathering. This recipe uses a simple combination of tea bags, sugar, and lemon to create a refreshing and sweet beverage that pairs perfectly with beer can chicken. Serve it in a mason jar with ice for the ultimate Southern experience.

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Juanita's Sweet Tea - Southern Sweet Tea

Main Ingredients: Boiling Water, Tea Bag, Granulated Sugar, Cold Water

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For a unique twist on the classic Southern sweet tea, try Juanita's recipe. She adds a touch of cinnamon and honey to the traditional ingredients for a slightly spicier and sweeter version. The combination of flavors is perfect for accompanying the smoky and savory flavors of beer can chicken.

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Southern Sweet Tea Granita

Main Ingredients: Water, Sugar, Tea Bags, Heavy Cream, Lemon Zest

Traditional Southern Iced Sweet Tea | Simple Healthy Recipes, Complex ...

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If you want to switch things up and serve your sweet tea in a different way, try making a granita. This frozen treat is made by freezing brewed sweet tea and then scraping it with a fork to create a slushy texture. Serve it in a glass with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a refreshing and unique dessert.

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Perfect Southern Sweet Tea

Main Ingredients: Black Tea, Water, Sugar, Peach, Lemon, Mint

Love and Confections: Simple Southern Sweet Tea + A Virtual Baby Shower

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They say the secret to perfect sweet tea is all in the ratio of sugar to tea. This recipe has been tried and tested to find the perfect balance of the two, resulting in a perfectly sweet and refreshing beverage. Make a big batch and keep it in the fridge to have on hand for any impromptu beer can chicken dinners.

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Juanita's Southern Sweet Tea

Main Ingredients: Boiling Water, Tea Bag, Granulated Sugar, Cold Water

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If you loved Juanita's unique twist on sweet tea, you'll love her version of Southern sweet tea as well. This recipe adds a splash of orange juice and a sprig of mint for a citrusy and refreshing twist on the classic. It's perfect for a hot summer day when you want something a little more than just plain sweet tea.

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Shrinking Southern Sweet Tea ‘Shine

Main Ingredients: Tea Bags, Green Tea Bags, Boiling Water, Stevia

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For a more adult version of Southern sweet tea, try this recipe that adds a splash of moonshine. The moonshine adds a subtle kick to the sweet tea, making it a perfect pairing for the smoky flavors of beer can chicken. Just be sure to drink responsibly!

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Southern Sweet Tea With a Secret Ingredient

Main Ingredients: Baking Soda, Water, Tea Bags, Sugar

Served Up With Love: Southern Sweet Iced Tea

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This recipe adds a unique secret ingredient to traditional sweet tea – peach schnapps! The peach schnapps adds a subtle fruity flavor to the tea, making it a perfect accompaniment to the savory and smoky flavors of beer can chicken.

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Southern Sweet Tea Brined Turkey Breast

Main Ingredients: Boneless Turkey Breast, Water, Lipton Tea Bags, Brown

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Simple Sweet Tea Brined Chicken | FaveSouthernRecipes.com

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If you want to switch things up and use your beer can chicken skills on a different protein, try this recipe for a Southern sweet tea brined turkey breast. The brine adds a touch of sweetness and keeps the meat moist and flavorful. Serve it with a side of beer can chicken for a delicious and unique meal.

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Southern Sweet Tea Popsicles with Mint

Main Ingredients: Tea Bags, Water, Sugar, Fresh Mint Leaves

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Yes, you read that right – sweet tea popsicles! This recipe is perfect for those hot summer days when you want something refreshing and sweet. The addition of fresh mint adds a cooling and refreshing element to the popsicles, making them a perfect pairing for beer can chicken.

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Southern Sweet Tea Pick-Me-Up Popsicles

Main Ingredients: Water, Granulated Sugar, Tea Bags

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For another twist on sweet tea popsicles, try this recipe that adds a shot of espresso to the mix. These popsicles are perfect for those days when you need a little pick-me-up, and the added caffeine will keep you going all day long. Serve them alongside your beer can chicken for a unique and delicious meal.

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The Secret to Perfect Southern Sweet Tea

Main Ingredients: Cold Water, Granulated White Sugar, Tea Bags

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Everyone has their own secret to making the perfect Southern sweet tea, but this recipe claims to have the ultimate secret – adding a pinch of baking soda. The baking soda helps to neutralize the tannins in the tea, resulting in a smoother and less bitter flavor. Give it a try and see if it becomes your go-to sweet tea recipe.

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Southern Sweet Tea Roasted Corn on the Cob |...

Main Ingredients: Black Tea, Granulated Sugar, Soy Sauce

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This recipe takes traditional corn on the cob to a whole new level by roasting it with a sweet tea glaze. The glaze adds a touch of sweetness and caramelization to the corn, making it a perfect side dish for your beer can chicken. It's a great way to use up any extra sweet tea you may have on hand.

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How to Make Sweet Tea-Southern Sweet Tea

Main Ingredients: Tea Bags, Water, Sugar, Baking Soda

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If you're new to the world of Southern sweet tea, this recipe is a great place to start. It breaks down the steps to making the perfect sweet tea, from brewing the tea to adding the right amount of sugar. Give it a try and see if it becomes your go-to recipe for all your future beer can chicken dinners.

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Texas Tea - Southern Sweet Tea

Main Ingredients: Sugar, Filtered Water, Tea Bags, Mint, Pineapple Juice

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For a Texas twist on Southern sweet tea, try this recipe that adds a splash of bourbon to the mix. The bourbon adds a subtle smoky and oaky flavor to the tea, making it a perfect pairing for beer can chicken. Just be sure to use a good quality bourbon for the best results.

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Strawberry Southern Sweet Tea

Main Ingredients: Strawberries, Water, Sugar, Tea Bags, Cold Water

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If you love the combination of sweet tea and strawberries, this recipe is for you. It uses fresh strawberries and a touch of honey to create a sweet and fruity twist on the classic Southern drink. Serve it in a mason jar with a few slices of fresh strawberry for a picture-perfect summer beverage.

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Simple Southern Sweet Tea

Main Ingredients: Spring Water, Tea Bags, Baking Soda, Extra Fine

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This recipe takes the classic Southern sweet tea and simplifies it even further. With only four ingredients – tea bags, sugar, water, and lemon – it's easy to make and perfect for any beer can chicken dinner. Add a slice of lemon and a sprig of mint for a refreshing twist.

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How to make Southern Sweet Tea

Main Ingredients: Sugar, Tea Bags, Water, Ice

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If you prefer your sweet tea on the sweeter side, give this recipe a try. It uses a 2:1 ratio of sugar to tea bags for a strong and sweet flavor. Serve it over ice with a squeeze of lemon for a refreshing and traditional Southern drink.

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Southern Style Strawberry Sweet Tea

Main Ingredients: Frozen Strawberries, Water, Coconut Sugar, Tea Bags

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This recipe takes the classic Southern sweet tea and adds a touch of strawberry flavor. The addition of fresh strawberries and a touch of sugar creates a perfectly sweet and fruity beverage that pairs well with the savory flavors of beer can chicken.

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Sugar Free Southern Sweet Tea with Rosemary and Lemon

Main Ingredients: Black Tea, Equal, Lemons, Fresh Rosemary, Water

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If you're watching your sugar intake, this recipe is a great option for you. It uses a sugar substitute and adds a twist of fresh rosemary and lemon for a unique and flavorful sweet tea. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a delicious and guilt-free meal.

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Southern Strawberry Sweet Tea!

Main Ingredients: Water, Tea Bags, Sugar, Lemon Juiced, Lime Juiced

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For a refreshing and fruity twist on Southern sweet tea, try this recipe that adds a splash of strawberry liqueur. The liqueur adds a subtle strawberry flavor to the tea, making it a perfect pairing for the smoky flavors of beer can chicken. Serve it in a mason jar with a few slices of fresh strawberry for a picture-perfect summer drink.

The Importance of Quality Ingredients

For the perfect southern sweet tea, quality ingredients are key. Using high-quality tea leaves is crucial and can make all the difference in the flavor of your tea. Look for loose-leaf black tea, as opposed to tea bags, for a more authentic taste. Additionally, using filtered or spring water instead of tap water will result in a cleaner and fresher flavor. Of course, the star ingredient in sweet tea is the sugar. While some recipes call for equal parts sugar and water, we recommend using a little less sugar to balance out the sweetness. Honey or agave syrup can also be used as a healthier alternative to sugar, without sacrificing the taste.

The Perfect Brew

Once you have your ingredients, it's time to brew the tea. Boil your water and add the tea leaves, using about 1 tablespoon of tea leaves per cup of water. Let the tea steep for at least 5 minutes, but no more than 10 minutes, to avoid a bitter taste. If you prefer a stronger tea, you can add more leaves or let it steep for a longer period of time. Once the tea is brewed, remove the leaves and let the tea cool to room temperature.

Mixing in the Sweetness

Now comes the fun part - adding the sweetness! While the tea is still warm, add your desired amount of sugar and stir until it dissolves completely. If you're using honey or agave syrup, add a little bit at a time while stirring until you reach your desired level of sweetness. This is also a great time to add any additional flavorings, such as lemon or mint, for an extra twist.

Serve and Enjoy

Once your sweet tea is fully mixed and cooled, it's time to serve and enjoy! We recommend pouring the tea over ice and adding a slice of lemon or sprig of mint for garnish. For an extra touch of sweetness, you can also add a splash of lemonade or fruit juice. Now sit back, relax, and savor the perfect southern sweet tea that you've created. Share this recipe with friends and family and become known as the sweet tea expert in your circle. Cheers!