Southern style sweet iced tea is a staple beverage in the Southern United States, especially during the hot summer months. This refreshing and sweet drink is perfect for sipping on a front porch or enjoying at a backyard barbecue. While there are many variations of this beloved drink, one thing remains constant: the perfect balance of sweetness and tea flavor. In this article, we will share a tried and true recipe for the perfect southern style sweet iced tea.
Looking for a refreshing and sweet drink to pair with your Beer Can Chicken? Look no further than this Southern Strawberry Sweet Iced Tea recipe! Made with fresh strawberries and a touch of honey, this iced tea is the perfect balance of sweet and refreshing. It's the perfect way to cool down on a hot summer day.
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Perfect Southern Sweet Iced Tea {Never Bitter}
Main Ingredients: Tea Bags, Boiling Water, Sugar, Cold Water, Baking
If you're looking for the perfect Southern Sweet Iced Tea that is never bitter, you've come to the right place. This recipe uses a special brewing method and just the right amount of sugar to create a perfectly balanced and delicious iced tea. One sip and you'll be transported to a front porch swing in the South.
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Southern Fresh Peach Iced Tea
Main Ingredients: Fresh Peaches, Water, Granulated Sugar, Lemon, Tea Bags
Take advantage of peach season with this Southern Fresh Peach Iced Tea recipe. Made with ripe and juicy peaches, this iced tea is bursting with flavor and packed with antioxidants. It's the perfect way to enjoy the flavors of summer.
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Southern Mint Iced Tea Gelato
Main Ingredients: Milk, Heavy Cream, Egg Yolks, Sugar, Mint Sprigs
Why just drink your iced tea when you can also eat it? This Southern Mint Iced Tea Gelato is a unique and delicious way to enjoy your favorite summer beverage. The combination of refreshing mint and sweet tea flavors will have you coming back for seconds.
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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 Southern households, and for good reason. This recipe for Southern Skillet Cornbread is simple to make and has just the right amount of crunch on the outside while remaining soft and moist on the inside. It's the perfect accompaniment to any meal, especially Beer Can Chicken.
For a hearty and flavorful main dish, look no further than this Southern Smothered Chicken recipe. Tender and juicy chicken smothered in a rich and savory gravy, this dish is comfort food at its finest. It's the perfect dish to warm you up on a chilly evening.
Collard greens are a beloved Southern side dish that pairs perfectly with any meal. This classic recipe for Southern Collard Greens is full of flavor and nutrients, making it the perfect addition to your Beer Can Chicken dinner. Plus, it's a great way to sneak some greens into your diet.
No Southern holiday meal is complete without a serving of Southern Cornbread Dressing. This recipe is a traditional family favorite, made with crumbled cornbread and savory seasonings. It's the perfect side dish for any occasion.
Oxtails may not be a common dish, but they are a Southern specialty that is worth trying. This recipe for Southern Smothered Oxtails is packed with rich and bold flavors, making it a delicious and unique addition to your Beer Can Chicken dinner. It's a dish that will impress any guest.
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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 classic flaky biscuits. This recipe for Classic Flaky Southern Biscuits is simple to make and creates buttery and delicious biscuits every time. They are the perfect side dish to soak up any leftover gravy or sauce from your Beer Can Chicken.
Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food, and this Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese takes it to the next level. Made with creamy and gooey cheese and a crispy breadcrumb topping, this dish is sure to be a hit with everyone at the dinner table. It's also a great way to use up any leftover mac and cheese from your Beer Can Chicken meal.
If you're looking for a slightly different take on classic mac and cheese, try this recipe for Southern Baked Mac and Cheese. It uses a blend of three different types of cheese and a hint of spice to create a unique and delicious dish. It's a must-try for any mac and cheese lover.
Pecan pie is a classic Southern dessert, and these Southern Pecan Pie Bars are a twist on the traditional dish. Made with a buttery crust and a rich pecan filling, these bars are perfect for serving at a BBQ or potluck. They're a delicious and portable dessert option.
Peach cobbler is another Southern dessert favorite, and this recipe for Southern Peach Cobbler is a must-try. Made with fresh peaches and a buttery crust, this cobbler is the perfect way to end a meal. Top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
If you're looking for a traditional and flavorful side dish, you can't go wrong with Classic Southern Collard Greens. This recipe uses smoked ham hocks to add extra flavor to the greens, making them a delicious addition to any meal. It's a dish that will transport you straight to the South.
Pimento cheese is a classic Southern spread that is perfect for snacking or as a topping for sandwiches. This recipe for Southern Pimento Cheese is simple to make and bursting with flavor. It's the perfect accompaniment to your Beer Can Chicken dinner.
Cabbage may not be the most exciting vegetable, but this Southern Cabbage recipe will change your mind. Made with bacon and onions, this dish is full of flavor and is a great way to use up any leftover cabbage from your Beer Can Chicken dinner. It's a quick and easy side dish that is sure to impress.
You can't go wrong with a classic Southern Cornbread recipe. This recipe is simple to make and results in a moist and flavorful cornbread that pairs perfectly with any meal. It's also a great way to use up any leftover cornbread from your Beer Can Chicken dinner.
Sausage gravy is a staple in many Southern households, and for good reason. This Southern Sausage Gravy recipe is classic and full of savory flavors. Serve it over biscuits for a hearty and delicious breakfast or brunch option. It's also a great way to use up any leftover sausage from your Beer Can Chicken dinner.
Hush puppies are a classic Southern side dish that pairs perfectly with fried fish or BBQ. This recipe for Southern Hush Puppies is simple to make and creates crispy and flavorful hush puppies every time. They're a fun and unique addition to any meal.
The Importance of Using the Right Tea
When making southern style sweet iced tea, the type of tea you use is crucial. Traditionally, black tea is used for this recipe as it provides a strong and bold flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of the added sugar. However, you can also use green tea or a mix of black and green tea for a lighter and more subtle flavor. Whichever type of tea you choose, make sure to use high-quality loose leaf tea for the best results. Avoid using tea bags as they may not provide the same depth of flavor as loose leaf tea.
How to Brew the Perfect Pot of Tea
The key to achieving the perfect southern style sweet iced tea lies in the brewing process. To start, boil 4-6 cups of water in a saucepan. Once the water comes to a rolling boil, remove it from the heat and add in your loose leaf tea (about 2-3 tablespoons for every 4 cups of water). Let the tea steep for 3-5 minutes, depending on how strong you want the flavor to be. Be careful not to oversteep the tea as it can become bitter. Strain the tea leaves and transfer the tea to a pitcher.
The Perfect Sweetness
The sweetness of southern style sweet iced tea is what makes it so irresistible. For every 4 cups of tea, add about 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. If you prefer a less sweet tea, you can adjust the amount of sugar to your liking. Alternatively, you can use honey or agave syrup as a healthier sweetening option. Stir the sugar into the tea until it dissolves completely.
Chill and Serve
Now that your tea is brewed and sweetened, it's time to chill it. Transfer the pitcher to the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 2 hours before serving. This will allow the flavors to develop and the tea to cool down. When ready to serve, pour the tea over ice and garnish with lemon slices or mint leaves for an extra refreshing touch.
In conclusion, making the perfect southern style sweet iced tea is all about using high-quality tea, brewing it correctly, and achieving the right balance of sweetness. With this recipe, you can easily recreate this beloved Southern drink in the comfort of your own home. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy a glass of sweet iced tea on a hot summer day. Happy sipping!
