17 Southern Style Iced Tea Recipe Elevate Your Taste Buds!
Published on: Mar 20, 2024
For anyone looking to beat the summer heat and quench their thirst, there's nothing quite like a refreshing glass of Southern style iced tea. This iconic beverage has been a staple in Southern households for generations, with each family having their own secret recipe. But if you're new to this beloved drink or looking to perfect your own version, we've got you covered with our professional and well-organized introduction to the perfect Southern style iced tea recipe.
Main Ingredients: Fresh Peaches, Water, Granulated Sugar, Lemon, Tea Bags
Nothing says summertime in the South like a refreshing glass of homemade peach iced tea. This recipe takes traditional iced tea and adds a sweet twist with fresh peaches. The result is a deliciously fruity and slightly tangy drink that is perfect for sipping on a hot day.
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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 way to enjoy your favorite Southern drink, try turning it into a frozen treat with this mint iced tea gelato recipe. The combination of sweet tea and refreshing mint creates a creamy and cool dessert that will have you coming back for more.
For a fruity twist on traditional sweet tea, try this Southern strawberry sweet iced tea recipe. The addition of fresh strawberries adds a burst of flavor and a beautiful pink hue to this classic drink. It's the perfect way to cool down on a hot summer day.
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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, and this Southern skillet cornbread recipe is the perfect addition to any meal. Made in a cast iron skillet, this cornbread is crispy on the outside and moist on the inside. It's the perfect accompaniment to any Southern dish.
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Perfect Southern Sweet Iced Tea {Never Bitter}
Main Ingredients: Tea Bags, Boiling Water, Sugar, Cold Water, Baking
There's nothing worse than a bitter glass of sweet tea, but with this recipe, you'll never have to worry about that. This perfect Southern sweet iced tea recipe ensures that your tea is always sweet and never bitter. It's the perfect balance of sweetness and tea flavor.
This Southern smothered chicken recipe is the epitome of comfort food. Tender chicken, smothered in a rich and flavorful gravy, served over rice or mashed potatoes is the ultimate Southern meal. It's a simple and hearty dish that will warm your soul.
Collard greens are a staple in Southern cuisine, and this recipe for Southern collard greens will show you how to make them just like Grandma used to. Slowly simmered with smoked ham hocks, these collard greens are packed with flavor and are the perfect side dish for any Southern meal.
Cornbread dressing is a must-have on any Southern holiday table, and this Southern cornbread dressing recipe is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Made with crumbled cornbread, sausage, and a blend of herbs and spices, this dressing is the perfect accompaniment to your Thanksgiving turkey.
Oxtails may not be the most common cut of meat, but in the South, they are a beloved delicacy. This Southern smothered oxtails recipe combines tender oxtails with a rich and flavorful gravy for a dish that will have you licking your plate clean. Serve it over rice or with a side of cornbread for the ultimate Southern meal.
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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 batch of homemade biscuits, and this recipe for classic flaky Southern biscuits is sure to become a family favorite. Made with simple ingredients, these biscuits are light, buttery, and perfect for soaking up gravy or slathering with butter and jam.
Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food, and this Southern baked macaroni and cheese recipe takes it to the next level. Made with a blend of creamy cheeses and baked to perfection, this dish is the perfect side for any Southern meal or can be enjoyed as a main course on its own.
If you're looking for a quicker and easier version of Southern baked mac and cheese, then this recipe is for you. Made with a few simple ingredients and baked in the oven, this mac and cheese is just as delicious as the traditional version but takes less time to make.
Pecan pie is a staple dessert in the South, and these Southern pecan pie bars are a delicious and easier way to enjoy this classic treat. Made with a buttery crust and a rich and gooey pecan filling, these bars are the perfect sweet treat to end any meal.
Peach cobbler is a beloved Southern dessert, and this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Made with fresh peaches and a buttery biscuit topping, this Southern peach cobbler is the perfect combination of sweet and tart. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.
Collard greens are a staple in Southern cuisine, and this classic Southern collard greens recipe is the perfect way to enjoy them. Slowly simmered with smoked ham hocks and a blend of seasonings, these collard greens are packed with flavor and are a must-have side dish for any Southern meal.
Pimento cheese is a Southern favorite and is often served as a dip or spread. This recipe for Southern pimento cheese is a classic version that is sure to please any crowd. Made with cheddar cheese, pimentos, and a blend of seasonings, this dip is perfect for parties or as a simple snack.
Cabbage is a versatile and inexpensive vegetable that is a staple in Southern cooking. This recipe for Southern cabbage is a simple and flavorful way to enjoy this humble vegetable. Slowly simmered with bacon and onions, this cabbage is tender and full of flavor.
Cornbread is a staple in Southern cuisine, and this recipe for Southern cornbread is a classic version that is sure to become a family favorite. Made with cornmeal and buttermilk, this cornbread is slightly sweet and has a crispy crust. Serve it warm with a pat of butter for the ultimate comfort food.
Sausage gravy is a classic breakfast dish in the South, and this recipe for Southern sausage gravy is sure to become a favorite. Made with crumbled sausage, milk, and a blend of seasonings, this gravy is perfect for pouring over biscuits or served with eggs and grits.
Hush puppies are a beloved Southern side dish that is often served with seafood. This recipe for Southern hush puppies is a classic version that is crispy on the outside and soft and flavorful on the inside. They are the perfect accompaniment to any meal or can be enjoyed as a snack on their own.
The Essential Ingredients
When it comes to making the perfect Southern style iced tea, the key is to keep it simple. You only need a few essential ingredients to get that classic sweet and tangy flavor. Black tea is the star of the show, so make sure to use a high-quality loose leaf or tea bags. Next, you'll need sugar to sweeten the tea, and water to steep the tea and dilute the sweetness. And for that signature tanginess, lemon is a must-have ingredient.
The Perfect Brew
The key to getting that perfect Southern style iced tea is in the brewing process. To achieve the right balance of flavor, it's essential to brew the tea with both hot and cold water. Start by boiling 4 cups of water in a pot and adding 4-6 tea bags or 4-6 teaspoons of loose leaf tea. Let it steep for 3-5 minutes, depending on how strong you prefer your tea. Then, remove the tea bags or strain the loose leaf tea and pour the concentrated tea into a heat-safe pitcher. Add 6 cups of cold water and stir in 1 cup of sugar until it dissolves. Finally, squeeze in the juice of 1 lemon and give it a final stir.
The Serving Ritual
In the South, serving iced tea is almost like a ritual. Fill a tall glass with ice and pour in the prepared tea. For added flavor, you can also add a few slices of lemon or a sprig of fresh mint. And for a real Southern touch, serve the tea in a mason jar or a classic pitcher. It's also common to offer a side of extra sugar for those who like their tea extra sweet.
Customize to Your Liking
While the classic Southern style iced tea is made with black tea, sugar, lemon, and water, there's always room for customization. You can experiment with different types of tea, such as Earl Grey or green tea, for a twist on the traditional flavor. You can also use honey or agave nectar instead of sugar for a healthier alternative. And for a boozy version, add a splash of bourbon or vodka to your glass.
With this professional and well-organized introduction to the perfect Southern style iced tea recipe, you'll be sipping on a refreshing glass of this iconic beverage in no time. Just remember to keep it simple, brew it right, and add your own personal touch to make it your own. Cheers!
