17 Recipe For Southern Iced Tea You Won't Believe The Taste!
Published on: Mar 6, 2024
Southern iced tea is a staple drink in the American South, known for its refreshing and sweet taste. This beloved beverage has been enjoyed for centuries, with its roots tracing back to the 1800s. It is a simple yet delicious drink that can be enjoyed on a hot summer day or as an accompaniment to a southern meal. If you want to learn how to make the perfect southern iced tea, then follow this recipe and quench your thirst with a taste of the South.
Main Ingredients: Fresh Peaches, Water, Granulated Sugar, Lemon, Tea Bags
One of the most refreshing drinks to enjoy during the hot summer months is a cold glass of iced tea. And what better way to take it up a notch than by adding some fresh peaches to the mix? This Southern Fresh Peach Iced Tea recipe is the perfect combination of sweet and tangy, making it a crowd-pleaser at any summer gathering.
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Southern Mint Iced Tea Gelato
Main Ingredients: Milk, Heavy Cream, Egg Yolks, Sugar, Mint Sprigs
If you're a fan of both iced tea and gelato, then this recipe is a must-try. This Southern Mint Iced Tea Gelato is a unique twist on the classic iced tea, with the addition of creamy and refreshing mint gelato. It's the perfect treat to cool down on a hot day.
For those who have a sweet tooth, this Southern Strawberry Sweet Iced Tea is the perfect choice. The combination of juicy strawberries and sweet tea makes for a deliciously refreshing drink that will have you coming back for more.
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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. This Southern Skillet Cornbread recipe is a classic, with a crispy exterior and a soft and buttery interior. It's the perfect accompaniment to any dish, from BBQ to fried chicken.
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Perfect Southern Sweet Iced Tea {Never Bitter}
Main Ingredients: Tea Bags, Boiling Water, Sugar, Cold Water, Baking
One of the keys to making a great glass of iced tea is to ensure that it's not bitter. This Perfect Southern Sweet Iced Tea recipe guarantees just that. With a perfect balance of sweetness and a hint of lemon, this tea will become your new go-to.
If you're in the mood for some comfort food, look no further than this Southern Smothered Chicken recipe. Tender and juicy chicken smothered in a rich and flavorful gravy, served over rice or mashed potatoes – it's a classic Southern dish that will warm your soul.
Collard greens are a staple in Southern cuisine, and for a good reason. They're packed with flavor and nutrients, making them a healthy and delicious addition to any meal. This Southern Collard Greens recipe will have you coming back for seconds.
Another classic Southern dish is cornbread dressing, often served as a side dish during holiday meals. This Southern Cornbread Dressing recipe is a family favorite, passed down for generations. It's a must-try for anyone looking to experience traditional Southern cuisine.
Oxtails may not be a common dish in many households, but in the South, they are a popular comfort food. This Southern Smothered Oxtails recipe is a hearty and flavorful meal that will satisfy any meat-lover's cravings.
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Classic Flaky Southern Biscuits
Main Ingredients: Flour, Whole Milk, Butter, Sugar, Baking Powder, Salt
No Southern meal is complete without a side of biscuits. And this Classic Flaky Southern Biscuits recipe is the perfect way to achieve light and fluffy biscuits with a crispy exterior. They're perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Mac and cheese is a beloved comfort food for many, and in the South, they take it to a whole new level. This Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese recipe is creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-delicious. It's the perfect dish for any occasion.
There are many variations of mac and cheese, but this Southern Baked Mac and Cheese recipe is a classic. With a crunchy breadcrumb topping and a rich and creamy cheese sauce, it's sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Pecan pie is a staple dessert in the South, and these Southern Pecan Pie Bars are a fun twist on the classic. With a buttery shortbread crust and a gooey pecan filling, they're a delicious treat to enjoy any time of the year.
Peach cobbler is a quintessential Southern dessert, and this recipe is a must-try for any peach lover. With a flaky crust and a sweet and juicy peach filling, this Southern Peach Cobbler will have you dreaming of lazy summer days.
This Classic Southern Collard Greens recipe is a simple and traditional way to cook collard greens. With just a few ingredients and a couple of hours of simmering, you'll have a flavorful and nutritious side dish that pairs well with any Southern meal.
Pimento cheese is a beloved Southern spread that can be used in a variety of ways. This Southern Pimento Cheese recipe is creamy, tangy, and perfect for snacking or as a topping for burgers and sandwiches.
Cabbage may not be the most glamorous vegetable, but when cooked the Southern way, it becomes a delicious and comforting dish. This Southern Cabbage recipe is a simple and flavorful way to enjoy this underrated veggie.
Cornbread is a staple in Southern cuisine, and this Southern Cornbread recipe is a classic. With just a few simple ingredients, you'll have a delicious and versatile bread that pairs well with many dishes.
Sausage gravy is a popular breakfast dish in the South, often served over biscuits. This Southern Sausage Gravy recipe is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a lazy weekend brunch.
Hush puppies are a classic Southern side dish, often served with fried seafood. This Southern Hush Puppy recipe is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a flavorful and slightly sweet cornbread batter.
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Southern Fresh Peach Iced Tea
Main Ingredients: Fresh Peaches, Water, Granulated Sugar, Lemon, Tea Bags
Nothing says summertime in the South like a refreshing glass of sweet iced tea. And when you add fresh peaches to the mix, it takes this classic beverage to a whole new level. The combination of the sweet peach flavor with the boldness of the tea creates a perfectly balanced and delicious drink that is sure to be a hit at any summer gathering.
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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 cool off this summer, try making a batch of Southern Mint Iced Tea Gelato. This creamy, frozen treat combines the refreshing flavors of iced tea and mint for a dessert that is both refreshing and indulgent. Serve it up in a cone or a bowl and enjoy the taste of summer in every bite.
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Southern Cornbread – Southern Skillet Cornbread
Main Ingredients: Butter, Yellow Cornmeal, Flour, Baking Soda, Salt
Southern cornbread is a staple in many homes in the South. It's a simple, yet delicious side dish that pairs well with a variety of meals. This recipe for Southern Skillet Cornbread takes it up a notch by baking it in a cast iron skillet, giving it a crispy crust and fluffy interior. Serve it warm with a pat of butter and some southern smothered chicken for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Take your iced tea game to the next level with this Southern Strawberry Sweet Iced Tea recipe. The addition of fresh strawberries adds a natural sweetness and a pop of color to this classic beverage. It's the perfect drink to enjoy on a hot summer day, whether you're sitting on the porch or having a picnic in the park.
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Perfect Southern Sweet Iced Tea {Never Bitter}
Main Ingredients: Tea Bags, Boiling Water, Sugar, Cold Water, Baking
No one likes bitter iced tea. That's why this recipe for Perfect Southern Sweet Iced Tea is a game changer. The secret? Adding a pinch of baking soda to the tea before brewing. This simple trick neutralizes the tannins in the tea leaves, resulting in a smooth and delicious drink every time. So say goodbye to bitter tea and hello to the perfect sweet iced tea.
When it comes to comfort food, Southern smothered chicken is at the top of the list. This southern staple is made by first browning chicken in a skillet, then simmering it in a rich and flavorful gravy until it's fall-off-the-bone tender. Serve it over mashed potatoes or rice for a hearty and satisfying meal that will warm your soul.
Thanksgiving wouldn't be complete without a side of Southern cornbread dressing. This dish is a delicious combination of crumbled cornbread, sautéed vegetables, and seasonings, all baked together to create a flavorful and comforting side dish. It's the perfect accompaniment to your holiday turkey, but it's so good that you'll want to make it all year round.
Collard greens are a staple in Southern cooking. These hearty and nutritious greens are slow cooked with ham hocks or bacon, resulting in a flavorful and tender side dish. They are often served alongside other classic Southern dishes like fried chicken or BBQ ribs. Don't forget to serve them with a side of southern cornbread for the ultimate Southern meal.
Oxtails may not be the most common cut of meat, but in the South, they are a beloved and flavorful addition to any meal. This recipe for Southern Smothered Oxtails features tender and juicy meat smothered in a rich and savory gravy. Serve it over rice or mashed potatoes for a hearty and delicious meal that will have your taste buds singing.
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Classic Flaky Southern Biscuits
Main Ingredients: Flour, Whole Milk, Butter, Sugar, Baking Powder, Salt
No Southern meal is complete without a side of flaky and buttery biscuits. This recipe for Classic Flaky Southern Biscuits will have you making biscuits from scratch in no time. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create the perfect biscuit to serve alongside southern sausage gravy, fried chicken, or just slathered in butter and jam.
Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food, and in the South, it's taken to a whole new level. This recipe for Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese features a rich and creamy cheese sauce, with a crispy and buttery breadcrumb topping. It's the ultimate side dish for any meal, and it's sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Yes, we know, we just talked about mac and cheese. But trust us, this recipe for Southern Baked Mac and Cheese is worth mentioning twice. This version features a combination of cheddar and Gouda cheese, creating a unique and delicious flavor. Plus, it's baked in a cast iron skillet, giving it a crispy and cheesy crust that is irresistible.
Pecan pie is a classic Southern dessert, and these Southern Pecan Pie Bars put a twist on the traditional recipe. These bars have all the flavors of a pecan pie, but in a handheld form. The crust is made with a combination of butter and southern cornbread mix, giving it a unique and delicious flavor. Top it off with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgent treat.
Summer wouldn't be complete without a fresh, juicy peach cobbler. This recipe for Southern Peach Cobbler is a crowd-pleaser, with its sweet and juicy peaches and buttery, flaky crust. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert that will transport you to the South with every bite.
Collard greens may be a simple side dish, but they are packed with flavor and nutrients. This recipe for Classic Southern Collard Greens features a combination of collard greens, bacon, and seasonings, slow cooked until they are tender and delicious. It's the perfect side dish for any Southern meal and a great way to get your daily dose of greens.
Pimento cheese is a beloved Southern spread that is often found at picnics and potlucks. This recipe for Southern Pimento Cheese is simple, yet delicious, featuring a combination of sharp cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and pimentos. Spread it on crackers, use it as a dip for veggies, or make a classic southern pimento cheese sandwich for a quick and tasty meal.
Cabbage is a versatile and nutritious vegetable, and in the South, it's often cooked up in a variety of ways. This recipe for Southern Cabbage is simple, yet delicious, featuring cabbage, bacon, and seasonings, slow cooked until tender and flavorful. Serve it as a side dish, or add some sausage or ground beef for a heartier meal.
Sausage gravy is a classic Southern breakfast dish that is loved by many. This recipe for Southern Sausage Gravy features a rich and flavorful gravy, made with a combination of sausage, flour, and milk. Pour it over classic southern flaky biscuits for a hearty and delicious breakfast that will keep you full and satisfied all morning.
Cornbread is a staple in Southern cooking, and for good reason. This recipe for Southern Cornbread is simple, yet delicious, featuring a combination of cornmeal, flour, and buttermilk for a moist and flavorful bread. Serve it alongside any meal for a taste of the South, or use it to make southern hush puppies for a tasty appetizer.
Hush puppies are a classic Southern appetizer, often served alongside seafood dishes or BBQ. These deep-fried balls of cornmeal batter are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and they are utterly delicious. This recipe for Southern Hush Puppies is easy to make and will be a hit at any gathering or cookout.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Tea
When it comes to making southern iced tea, the type of tea used plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect taste. The most commonly used tea for this drink is black tea, specifically orange pekoe or English breakfast. These types of tea provide a strong and robust flavor that stands up well to the addition of ice and sugar. To enhance the flavor even further, some southern households add a small amount of green tea to the mix. This not only adds a subtle depth of flavor but also provides a beautiful golden color to the tea.
How to Brew the Perfect Southern Iced Tea
To start, bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan. Once boiling, remove from heat and add 4-5 tea bags depending on how strong you prefer your tea. Let the tea steep for about 5 minutes before removing the tea bags. Meanwhile, in a large pitcher, prepare the sweetener by dissolving 1 cup of sugar in 1 cup of hot water. Once the tea is steeped, pour it into the pitcher with the sweetener and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Then, add 2 cups of cold water to the pitcher and stir again. This helps to cool down the tea and bring it to the perfect temperature for pouring over ice.
Serving and Storing Southern Iced Tea
To serve, fill a tall glass with ice cubes and pour the tea over it. Add a sprig of mint or a wedge of lemon for a refreshing twist. For those who prefer a stronger tea, you can add a splash of bourbon to make a delicious Southern Bourbon Iced Tea. This drink is best enjoyed immediately, but if you have leftovers, you can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
In Conclusion
Making the perfect southern iced tea is not a complicated process, but it does require the right ingredients and technique. By choosing the right tea and following this recipe, you can enjoy a refreshing and delicious taste of the South. So next time you are craving a cold and sweet drink, give this recipe a try and experience the true taste of southern hospitality.
