16 Southern Living Sweet Tea Recipe Deliciousness Awaits You!

Published on: Mar 18, 2024

Southern sweet tea is a staple in the southern United States, and for good reason. It's a refreshing, sweet, and delicious drink that goes perfectly with any meal or on its own. While there are many variations of sweet tea, this recipe will give you the perfect balance of sweetness and tea flavor. Follow these simple steps to create the perfect pitcher of southern living sweet tea.

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Iced Tea

Main Ingredients: Tea, Boiling Water, Agave Nectar, Stevia, Ice Cubes

Ice Tea Recipes: Fruit Bomb Iced Tea

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Iced tea is a refreshing and classic way to cool down on a hot summer day. It's a staple drink in the south, and for good reason. The combination of tea, lemon, and sweetness makes for a perfect balance of flavors. Here are 20 different ways to enjoy iced tea, from traditional to unique twists.

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Southern Sweet Tea

Main Ingredients: Tea Bags, Sugar, Water, Tea, Lemon Slices

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The classic sweet tea recipe that has been passed down for generations in the south. It's a simple combination of black tea, sugar, and lemon. The key to making the perfect southern sweet tea is to let the tea steep for a while to create a strong base. Serve over ice for a refreshing and sweet drink.

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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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If you're looking for a more unique twist on the traditional southern sweet tea, try Juanita's recipe. She adds a touch of honey to her sweet tea, giving it a richer and more complex flavor. It's the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess, making it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

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Bubble Tea

Main Ingredients: Tapioca, Water, Sugar, Tea, Tea Bags, Milk

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Bubble tea, also known as boba tea, is a Taiwanese drink that has become a global phenomenon. It's a combination of tea, milk, and boba balls that give it a fun and unique texture. You can make your own bubble tea at home using black tea, sweetened condensed milk, and tapioca pearls. It's a fun and tasty way to enjoy tea.

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McDonalds Sweet Tea

Main Ingredients: Water, Tea, Sugar, Ice

McDonald's Sweet Tea | Mcdonalds sweet tea, Sweet tea, Mcdonalds

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Believe it or not, fast-food chain McDonalds has some of the best sweet tea around. It's a simple recipe that uses black tea, sugar, and a touch of citric acid for a tangy kick. You can recreate this iconic drink at home by brewing a strong pot of black tea and adding sugar and lemon to taste.

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Hibiscus Sweet Tea

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

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If you're looking for a caffeine-free option, try hibiscus sweet tea. Hibiscus tea has a tangy and floral flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of traditional sweet tea. You can make this tea by steeping hibiscus flowers in hot water and adding sugar to taste. Serve over ice for a refreshing and unique twist on sweet tea.

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Fireball Orange Sweet Tea

Main Ingredients: Tea, Orange Juice, Fireball Whisky

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For a more adult version of sweet tea, try this fireball orange sweet tea recipe. It combines the classic flavors of sweet tea with the spicy kick of Fireball whiskey and the tangy sweetness of orange juice. It's the perfect drink to enjoy at a summer BBQ or while relaxing by the pool.

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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 making sweet tea, don't worry, it's easier than you think. The key is to brew a strong pot of black tea, add sugar to taste, and let it cool before serving over ice. You can also add lemon or other flavors to customize your sweet tea to your liking.

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Lime Sweet Tea

Main Ingredients: Simple Syrup, Sugar, Water, Tea, Tea Bags, Frozen

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For a twist on the classic lemon sweet tea, try using lime instead. Lime adds a tangy and refreshing flavor to sweet tea and pairs well with the sweetness of the tea. You can also add a touch of mint to create a mojito-inspired sweet tea. Serve over ice for a delicious and unique summer drink.

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Strawberry Vanilla Sweet Tea

Main Ingredients: Strawberry Syrup, Water, Equal, Strawberry, Tea, Tea

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This sweet tea recipe takes it to the next level by adding fresh strawberries and vanilla extract to the mix. The result is a fruity and creamy sweet tea that is perfect for a summer picnic or BBQ. You can also add a splash of sparkling water for a fizzy twist.

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Sweet Tea Raspberry Popsicles

Main Ingredients: Tea, Raspberries, Water

Raspberry Iced Tea - Homemade Fresh Raspberry Sweet Tea Recipe

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If you're looking for a fun and unique way to enjoy sweet tea, try turning it into popsicles. These sweet tea raspberry popsicles are made with a blend of sweet tea and pureed raspberries, giving them a fruity and refreshing flavor. They're the perfect treat for a hot summer day.

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Sweet Tea Bread Pudding

Main Ingredients: Hawaiian Rolls, Tea, Heavy Whipping Cream, Egg Yolks

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This sweet tea bread pudding recipe is a delicious and indulgent dessert that combines the flavors of sweet tea and vanilla. The bread is soaked in a sweet tea mixture and then baked to create a moist and flavorful dessert. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate treat.

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Blueberry Sweet Tea Lemonade Sangria

Main Ingredients: Pinot Grigio, Tea, Blueberry Vodka, Lemon Lime Soda

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Lemonade Sangria with Blueberry Lemon Popsicles - Olive and Tate

If you're a fan of sangria, you have to try this blueberry sweet tea lemonade sangria. It's a refreshing and fruity drink that combines the flavors of sweet tea, lemonade, and blueberry vodka. It's the perfect drink to enjoy with friends at a summer gathering.

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Sweet Tea Glazed Lemon Babka

Main Ingredients: Dry Active Yeast, Granulated Sugar, Lukewarm Water

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This unique sweet tea recipe takes inspiration from the classic babka bread. It's a sweet and tangy bread that is glazed with a sweet tea syrup. The result is a delicious and indulgent treat that is perfect for breakfast or as a dessert.

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Peach Sweet Tea | Kentucky Derby Drink

Main Ingredients: Sugar, Tea, Water, Peaches, Whiskey

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Kentucky Derby Drink | Peach Sweet Tea and Whiskey | Summer drink ...

Peach sweet tea is a refreshing and fruity twist on traditional sweet tea. It's the perfect drink to enjoy while watching the Kentucky Derby, or any summer event. You can make this drink by brewing a strong pot of black tea and adding peach nectar and sugar to taste.

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Pasta Salad with Sweet Tea Vinaigrette

Main Ingredients: Pasta, Bell Peppers, Cucumber, Red Onion, Shredded

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This pasta salad is a unique and tasty way to enjoy sweet tea. The vinaigrette is made with a blend of sweet tea, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar, giving it a sweet and tangy flavor. It's the perfect side dish for a summer BBQ or picnic.

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Hot Apple Cinnamon Shrub Tea

Main Ingredients: Honeycrisp Apples, Sugar, Apple Cider Vinegar, Water

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This hot apple cinnamon shrub tea is the perfect cozy drink for a chilly day. It's made with a blend of sweet tea, apple cider, and cinnamon sticks, giving it a warm and comforting flavor. Serve with a splash of whiskey for an adult twist.

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Summer Peach Sweet Tea Ice Cream

Main Ingredients: Tea, Heavy Cream, Whole Milk, Light Brown Sugar

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This sweet tea ice cream is a delicious and unique dessert that is perfect for summer. It's made with a blend of sweet tea, peach nectar, and a touch of heavy cream for a creamy and sweet treat. Serve in a cone or bowl for a refreshing and fun dessert.

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Sweet Tea

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

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Of course, we can't forget the classic sweet tea recipe that started it all. Made with black tea, sugar, and lemon, this sweet tea is a staple in the south and a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Serve over ice for a refreshing and sweet drink.

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Summer Sweet Tea

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

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This summer sweet tea recipe is perfect for those hot and humid days. It's a simple combination of black tea, sugar, and lemon, but the key is to let it steep for a while to create a strong and flavorful base. Serve over ice and enjoy the taste of summer.

The Importance of Using Quality Ingredients

Choosing the Right Tea

One of the key factors in making the perfect southern living sweet tea is choosing the right type of tea. Many people opt for traditional black tea bags, but you can also use loose-leaf tea for a stronger flavor. Whichever type of tea you choose, make sure it is high-quality and fresh for the best results.

The Sweetness Factor

The sweetness of sweet tea is what makes it so addictive. However, too much sugar can overpower the tea and ruin the balance of flavors. To avoid this, use a combination of granulated sugar and honey. The honey adds a touch of depth and richness to the tea, while the sugar provides the necessary sweetness. Pro tip: Use local honey for a truly authentic southern taste.

Secret Ingredient: Lemon

One ingredient that sets southern living sweet tea apart from other variations is the addition of lemon. The acidity of the lemon balances out the sweetness of the tea, making it more refreshing and less cloying. Squeeze in the juice of one lemon for every 8 cups of tea for the perfect amount of tang.

The Brewing Process

Boiling the Water

To get the best flavor out of your tea, you need to use boiling water. Boil the water in a separate pot instead of adding it directly to the tea bags to ensure that the water is hot enough. This will extract the full flavor and color from the tea leaves.

Steeping Time

The amount of time you steep your tea will greatly affect its flavor. Too short and the tea will be weak, too long and it will become bitter. For the perfect southern living sweet tea, steep the tea bags for 5-7 minutes, depending on your preference for strength.

Final Touch: Serving and Storing

Serving

Nothing says southern hospitality like serving sweet tea in a mason jar. For an extra touch of sweetness, run a lemon wedge around the rim of the jar and dip it in sugar before pouring in the tea. This adds a decorative and tasty touch to your presentation.

Storing

Sweet tea can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, but it may lose some of its flavor over time. To keep your tea fresh, store it in an airtight container and add a pinch of baking soda to the pitcher. This will help preserve the tea's flavor and prevent it from spoiling. Now that you have the perfect recipe for southern living sweet tea, it's time to invite some friends over and enjoy a glass together. Cheers to the sweet life in the south!