15 Real Southern Iced Tea Recipe Deliciousness Awaits You!

Published on: Apr 5, 2024

Southern iced tea is a staple in the South, often served at family gatherings, backyard barbeques, and even in fancy restaurants. This refreshing drink is a must-try for anyone who wants to experience true Southern hospitality. While there are many variations of iced tea, nothing beats a classic real southern iced tea recipe. Here's how to make it at home.

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Southern Sweet Tea

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

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Southern sweet tea is a staple in many Southern households. It's a refreshing and sweet drink that is perfect for hot summer days. The key to making the perfect Southern sweet tea is using the right ingredients and taking your time to let the flavors develop.

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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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Juanita's sweet tea is known for its perfect balance of sweetness and tea flavor. This recipe is a classic Southern sweet tea that has been passed down through generations. It's a simple recipe that uses high-quality tea bags, sugar, and water to create a delicious drink that will quench your thirst.

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Southern Sweet Tea Granita

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

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If you're looking for a unique twist on traditional Southern sweet tea, try making a sweet tea granita. This frozen treat is made by freezing sweet tea and then scraping it with a fork to create a slushy texture. It's a perfect treat for a hot summer day and will impress your guests at any gathering.

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Perfect Southern Sweet Tea

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

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The key to making the perfect Southern sweet tea is using the right ingredients and taking your time to let the flavors develop. Some people like to add lemon or mint to their sweet tea, but the classic recipe calls for just tea, sugar, and water. It's important to use high-quality tea bags and let the tea steep for at least an hour to get the perfect flavor.

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Juanita's Southern Sweet Tea

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

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Juanita's sweet tea is a classic Southern recipe that has been passed down through generations. It's a simple recipe that uses high-quality tea bags, sugar, and water to create a delicious drink that will quench your thirst. The secret to Juanita's sweet tea is the perfect balance of sweetness and tea flavor.

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Shrinking Southern Sweet Tea ‘Shine

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

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If you're looking for a unique twist on traditional Southern sweet tea, try making shrinking Southern sweet tea 'shine. This recipe combines sweet tea and moonshine for a refreshing and slightly boozy drink. It's perfect for parties or a night in with friends.

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Southern Sweet Tea With a Secret Ingredient

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

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Many people have their own secret ingredient for their Southern sweet tea, whether it's adding a splash of lemon juice or a sprig of mint. However, one secret ingredient that you may not have tried is orange pekoe tea bags. This type of tea adds a unique depth of flavor to your sweet tea that will have your guests asking for the recipe.

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Southern Sweet Tea Brined Turkey Breast

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

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Southern sweet tea isn't just for drinking, it can also be used to add flavor to your food. Brining a turkey breast in sweet tea adds a subtle sweetness to the meat and helps to keep it tender and juicy. It's a perfect dish for a holiday meal or any special occasion.

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Southern Sweet Tea Popsicles with Mint

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

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Southern Sweet Tea with Lime & Mint Recipe

If you're looking for a fun and refreshing treat, try making Southern sweet tea popsicles with mint. These popsicles are made by freezing sweet tea and fresh mint leaves to create a cool and flavorful dessert. They're perfect for kids or adults and are a great way to use up any leftover sweet tea.

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Southern Sweet Tea Pick-Me-Up Popsicles

Main Ingredients: Water, Granulated Sugar, Tea Bags

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For a caffeine boost, try making Southern sweet tea pick-me-up popsicles. These popsicles are made by freezing sweet tea and adding in a shot of espresso or strong coffee. They're a perfect treat for a hot summer day and will give you the energy you need to power through the day.

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The Secret to Perfect Southern Sweet Tea

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

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The secret to making the perfect Southern sweet tea is taking your time and using the right ingredients. Some people like to use loose leaf tea instead of tea bags, as it allows for more control over the strength of the tea. It's also important to use filtered water to avoid any off-flavors. And of course, the key is to let the tea steep for at least an hour to allow the flavors to develop.

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

Main Ingredients: Black Tea, Granulated Sugar, Soy Sauce

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Southern sweet tea isn't just for drinking, it can also be used to add flavor to your food. Roasting corn on the cob in sweet tea adds a unique sweetness to the corn and gives it a slightly caramelized flavor. It's a perfect side dish for any BBQ or summer cookout.

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How to Make Sweet Tea-Southern Sweet Tea

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

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Making sweet tea is a simple process, but there are a few key steps to ensure you get the perfect flavor. Start by boiling filtered water and steeping your tea bags for at least an hour. Then, add sugar to taste and let the tea cool. Serve over ice and enjoy your refreshing Southern sweet tea.

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Texas Tea - Southern Sweet Tea

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

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Another popular variation of Southern sweet tea is Texas tea. This recipe adds a splash of orange juice and grenadine to the tea, giving it a unique flavor and a beautiful red color. It's a perfect drink for any Texas-themed party or just for a fun twist on traditional sweet tea.

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Strawberry Southern Sweet Tea

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

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If you're a fan of fruity drinks, try making strawberry Southern sweet tea. This recipe adds fresh strawberries to the sweet tea, giving it a sweet and tangy flavor. It's a perfect drink for a hot summer day and can also be made into popsicles for a fun and refreshing treat.

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Simple Southern Sweet Tea

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

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If you're short on time or ingredients, you can still make a delicious Southern sweet tea. Simply boil filtered water and steep your tea bags for 5-10 minutes. Then, stir in sugar to taste and let the tea cool. It may not have the same depth of flavor as a longer steeped tea, but it will still be a refreshing and satisfying drink.

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How to make Southern Sweet Tea

Main Ingredients: Sugar, Tea Bags, Water, Ice

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Making traditional Southern sweet tea is easy once you know the steps. Start by boiling filtered water and steeping your tea bags for at least an hour. Then, add sugar to taste and let the tea cool. Serve over ice and enjoy your refreshing and delicious Southern sweet tea.

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Southern Style Strawberry Sweet Tea

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

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For a twist on traditional Southern sweet tea, try making Southern style strawberry sweet tea. This recipe combines fresh strawberries with the tea to create a sweet and fruity drink that is perfect for hot summer days. It's a great way to use up any extra strawberries you may have on hand.

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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, try making sugar-free Southern sweet tea with rosemary and lemon. This recipe uses a sugar substitute and adds in fresh rosemary and lemon for a refreshing and flavorful twist on traditional sweet tea. It's a perfect drink for those who want to enjoy a Southern classic without the added sugar.

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Southern Strawberry Sweet Tea!

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

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For a fun and fruity twist on traditional sweet tea, try making Southern strawberry sweet tea. This recipe is made by blending fresh strawberries with steeped sweet tea and then straining it to remove any seeds. It's a delicious and refreshing drink that is perfect for any occasion.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Tea

When it comes to making the perfect glass of southern iced tea, the type of tea you use is crucial. Black tea is the traditional choice for iced tea and is what gives it its rich, bold flavor. However, not all black teas are created equal. For the best results, choose a high-quality loose-leaf tea rather than tea bags. Loose-leaf tea allows for better steeping, resulting in a stronger and more flavorful tea. Assam, a black tea from India, is a popular choice for iced tea because of its robust and malty flavor.

Don't Forget the Sugar

One of the key ingredients in southern iced tea is sugar. It adds a touch of sweetness and balances out the bitterness of the tea. To achieve the perfect balance, it's important to add the sugar while the tea is still hot. This allows the sugar to dissolve completely, resulting in a smooth and sweet tea. For a truly authentic southern taste, use granulated white sugar instead of alternatives like honey or artificial sweeteners.

The Secret Ingredient: Lemon

While sugar is a crucial component of southern iced tea, lemons are what give it that refreshing and tangy flavor. Adding lemon juice to your iced tea not only adds a burst of flavor but also helps to balance out the sweetness. Additionally, lemons are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, making your iced tea even more beneficial for your health.

Proper Brewing and Serving Techniques

Another important aspect of making a perfect glass of southern iced tea is the brewing and serving techniques. To brew the tea, start by boiling water and adding the loose-leaf tea leaves. Let it steep for about 3-5 minutes, then strain the tea leaves and add the sugar while it's still hot. Let the tea cool before adding ice to prevent it from becoming diluted. When serving, make sure to use tall glasses filled with lots of ice. This ensures that the tea stays cold and refreshing, perfect for a hot summer day. You can also garnish your iced tea with a lemon wedge or a sprig of fresh mint for an extra pop of flavor. In conclusion, a real southern iced tea recipe is not just about the ingredients, but also about the technique and attention to detail. By following these tips, you'll be able to make a delicious and authentic glass of southern iced tea that will impress your friends and family. So, go ahead and give this recipe a try, and you'll never go back to store-bought iced tea again.