16 Southern Living Recipe For Sweet Iced Tea Cook Up Something Special!
Published on: Apr 21, 2024
Southern living is all about hospitality, and no gathering is complete without a pitcher of sweet iced tea. It's a staple in the southern kitchen and a refreshing beverage to beat the heat. While there are many variations of sweet tea, this tried and true recipe is guaranteed to please your taste buds. Plus, it's incredibly easy to make, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company of your loved ones.
Main Ingredients: Tea, Boiling Water, Agave Nectar, Stevia, Ice Cubes
There's nothing quite like a refreshing glass of iced tea on a hot summer day. And with so many delicious flavors to choose from, it's hard to pick just one favorite. But fear not, because we've rounded up the top 20 iced tea recipes that are sure to quench your thirst and leave you feeling cool and satisfied.
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Long Island Iced Tea
Main Ingredients: Gin, White Rum, Tequila, Vodka, Triple Sec, Simple
This classic cocktail is not for the faint of heart. Made with a combination of rum, vodka, gin, tequila, triple sec, and cola, this potent drink is perfect for a summer barbecue or a night out with friends. Just be sure to drink responsibly!
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Jalapeno Cheese Grits (Southern Living)
Main Ingredients: Water, Salt, Quaker Quick Grits, Cream Cheese, Crushed
Spice up your iced tea game with this unique and flavorful recipe. A homemade jalapeno simple syrup is mixed with traditional iced tea and served over a bed of creamy cheese grits for a truly Southern twist on a classic drink.
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Sweet Iced Tea
Main Ingredients: Water, Tea Bags, Sugar, Filtered Water, Lemon Slices
Sometimes, you just can't beat the simplicity of a classic sweet iced tea. This recipe uses black tea bags, sugar, and lemon for a perfectly sweet and refreshing drink that's great for sipping on a porch swing or serving at a backyard cookout.
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Thai Iced Tea
Main Ingredients: Water, Thai Tea Mix, Palm Sugar, Evaporated Milk, Star
Transport yourself to the streets of Thailand with this delicious and creamy iced tea. Made with strong black tea, condensed milk, and spices like star anise and cardamom, this drink is a sweet and indulgent treat.
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Arnold Palmer Iced Tea
Main Ingredients: Iced Tea, Tea Bags, Water, Lemonade, Lemon Juice
This classic combination of iced tea and lemonade is named after the legendary golfer, but it's enjoyed by many both on and off the course. This recipe uses freshly brewed black tea, lemon juice, and a touch of sugar for a perfectly balanced and refreshing drink.
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Tropical Iced Tea
Main Ingredients: Cold Water, Tea Bags, Pineapple Juice, Lemon, Orange
Escape to a tropical paradise with this fruity and refreshing iced tea. Made with pineapple juice, mango nectar, and a splash of coconut rum, this drink is like a vacation in a glass. Garnish with a wedge of fresh pineapple for an extra tropical touch.
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Peach Iced Tea
Main Ingredients: Peaches, Sugar, Water, Tea Bags
Peaches and iced tea are a match made in heaven, and this recipe takes it to the next level. A homemade peach syrup is mixed with freshly brewed iced tea and served over ice for a sweet and fruity drink that's perfect for peach season.
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Perfect Peach Iced Tea
Main Ingredients: Organic Cane Sugar, Water, Peaches, Loose Leaf Black Tea
If you're looking for a more traditional peach iced tea, this recipe has got you covered. Made with frozen peaches, peach schnapps, and lemon juice, this drink is a delicious and refreshing twist on a classic summer beverage.
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How to make thai iced tea, Thai Iced Tea | Thai iced...
Main Ingredients: Water, Black Tea, Clove, Cardamom Pods, Star Anise
Learn how to make your own Thai iced tea at home with this simple and easy recipe. All you need is black tea, condensed milk, and spices like star anise and cardamom. Serve over ice for a delicious and authentic taste of Thailand.
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Thai Iced Tea, How to make thai iced tea | Thai iced...
Main Ingredients: Water, Black Tea, Clove, Cardamom Pods, Star Anise
Another take on a homemade Thai iced tea, this recipe uses evaporated milk, cinnamon, and vanilla extract for a slightly different but equally delicious flavor profile. Perfect for hot summer days or when you're craving a taste of Thailand.
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Peach Whiskey Iced Tea
Main Ingredients: Black Tea, Hot Water, Ice, Cold Water, Peaches, Sugar
For all the whiskey lovers out there, this recipe is for you. A sweet peach whiskey is combined with iced tea and lemonade for a delicious and boozy twist on a classic summer drink. Serve over ice and garnish with a wedge of peach for a beautiful presentation.
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Lemonade Iced Tea
Main Ingredients: Water, Tea Bags, Fresh Mint Leaves, Sugar, Cold Water
Combine two summer favorites in one with this delicious lemonade iced tea. Made with freshly squeezed lemon juice, sugar, and freshly brewed black tea, this drink is a refreshing and tangy option for those hot summer days.
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Blueberry-Lemon Iced Tea
Main Ingredients: Frozen Blueberries, Fresh Lemon Juice, Water, Tea Bags
Fresh blueberries and lemon make the perfect pairing in this fruity and flavorful iced tea. A homemade blueberry syrup is mixed with freshly brewed iced tea and served over ice for a sweet and refreshing drink that's perfect for blueberry season.
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Bourbon-Peach Iced Tea
Main Ingredients: Fresh Peaches, Granulated Sugar, Tea Bags, Bourbon
For a drink with a little kick, try this bourbon-peach iced tea. Made with bourbon, peach schnapps, and freshly brewed iced tea, this drink is perfect for sipping on the porch or at a backyard barbecue.
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Perfect Mashed Potatoes
Main Ingredients: Yukon Gold Potatoes, Salt, Butter, Half And Half, Cream
While not technically an iced tea recipe, no Southern meal is complete without a side of mashed potatoes. And this recipe is truly perfect, with creamy potatoes, butter, and milk for a rich and delicious side dish.
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Easy Peach Cobbler
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, All Purpose Flour, Sugar, Baking
Peach cobbler is a classic dessert that pairs perfectly with a cold glass of iced tea. This recipe is as easy as it gets, with canned peaches, butter, sugar, and a simple batter that bakes into a sweet and delicious cobbler.
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Martina McBride's Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
Main Ingredients: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, Kosher Salt, Black
This hearty and flavorful soup from country music star Martina McBride is a perfect meal for a chilly evening. Made with chicken, corn, beans, and spices, this soup is topped with crunchy tortilla strips for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Fire Crackers
Main Ingredients: Saltine Crackers, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Black
For a spicy and addictive snack, try these fire crackers. Saltine crackers are coated in a spicy ranch seasoning and baked to perfection, making them the perfect accompaniment to a cold glass of iced tea.
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Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Main Ingredients: Elbow Macaroni, Milk, Butter, All Purpose Flour, Salt
Ingredients
Brewed Tea
To make the perfect sweet tea, you'll need a strong brewed tea as the base. You can use any type of tea you prefer, but black tea is the most commonly used in traditional sweet tea recipes. The key is to brew the tea strong, using about double the amount of tea bags you would for a regular cup of tea. This will ensure that the tea flavor is not overpowered by the sweetness.
Sugar
Of course, no sweet tea is complete without sugar. The amount of sugar used can vary depending on personal preference, but for a 2-quart pitcher, use about 1 cup of sugar. You can also use honey or agave as a healthier alternative, but the traditional recipe calls for white granulated sugar.
Lemon
Adding lemon to your sweet tea not only gives it a refreshing tang, but it also helps to balance out the sweetness. Squeeze the juice of one lemon into the tea pitcher before adding the sugar. You can also add lemon slices for a decorative touch.
Instructions
To make the perfect pitcher of sweet tea, follow these simple steps:
1. Start by brewing your tea using double the amount of tea bags for a strong flavor.
2. While the tea is still hot, add 1 cup of sugar and stir until it dissolves completely.
3. Add the juice of one lemon and stir again.
4. Let the tea cool to room temperature before pouring it into a 2-quart pitcher.
5. Add ice cubes and lemon slices to the pitcher for extra flavor and presentation.
6. Serve and enjoy your refreshing and sweet iced tea!
Customization
While this recipe is the classic and beloved version of sweet tea, feel free to customize it to your liking. You can add mint leaves for a hint of freshness, use flavored tea bags for a twist, or even add a splash of your favorite fruit juice for a fruity sweet tea. The possibilities are endless, so don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own.
In conclusion, sweet iced tea is a staple in southern living and this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering. It's easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste buds. So go ahead, grab a pitcher and some tea bags, and start brewing your own delicious sweet tea today!