16 Southern Sweet Tea Recipe Baking Soda Unleash Your Inner Chef!

Published on: Apr 29, 2024

Southern sweet tea is a classic staple in the South, with its refreshing and sweet taste that perfectly complements a hot summer day. While there are many variations of this beloved drink, one must-have ingredient that sets this recipe apart is baking soda. Not only does it give the tea a unique flavor, but it also helps to balance out the sweetness and create the perfect balance of flavors. Here's how to make the perfect Southern sweet tea with baking soda.

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Peach Sweet Tea and Rum

Main Ingredients: Sweet Tea, Water, Peaches, Dark Rum

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What could be better than a refreshing glass of sweet tea on a hot summer day? How about using that sweet tea to marinade your beer can chicken! This recipe combines the classic flavors of sweet tea and peaches with a splash of rum for a deliciously unique take on beer can chicken. Plus, the sweet and tangy glaze adds a beautiful caramelized finish to the chicken. Perfect for a backyard barbecue or a weeknight dinner.

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Simple Sweet Tea Mint Julep

Main Ingredients: Sweet Tea, Fresh Mint Leaves, Bourbon, Ice, Slice Of

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Simple Sweet Tea Mint Julep - A Few Shortcuts

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This sweet tea and mint julep marinade is perfect for those who love a little kick of bourbon in their chicken. The sweet tea keeps the chicken moist, while the mint adds a refreshing twist. Just be sure to reserve some of the marinade for a tasty dipping sauce.

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Sweet Tea Mint Julep

Main Ingredients: Fresh Mint Leaves, Bourbon, Sweet Tea, Crushed Ice

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If you're a fan of the classic mint julep cocktail, you'll love this beer can chicken recipe. The combination of sweet tea, bourbon, and fresh mint creates a deliciously flavorful marinade that will leave your guests asking for seconds. Don't forget to garnish with a sprig of fresh mint for a truly impressive presentation.

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Sweet Tea With Vodka & Fresh Mint

Main Ingredients: Vodka, Sweet Tea, Fresh Mint

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Take your sweet tea to the next level by adding a splash of vodka and fresh mint. This unique marinade adds a subtle kick to the chicken, while the fresh mint adds a burst of flavor. Perfect for a summertime cookout or a casual dinner party.

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Sweet Tea Pork Tenderloin

Main Ingredients: Pork Tenderloins, Sweet Tea, Kosher Salt

If you're not a fan of chicken, this sweet tea marinade is also delicious on pork tenderloin. The sweetness of the tea balances out the tangy flavors of the pork, creating a perfectly balanced dish. Pair it with some grilled vegetables for a complete meal.

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Sweet Tea Oven-Fried Chicken

Main Ingredients: Chicken Breast, Chicken Drumsticks, Buttermilk, Sweet

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If you don't have a grill, don't worry! This oven-fried chicken recipe uses sweet tea to create a crispy and flavorful coating. The chicken is first marinated in sweet tea, then coated in a seasoned flour mixture before being baked in the oven. It's a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken without sacrificing any flavor.

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Sweet Tea Oven-fried Chicken

Main Ingredients: Chicken Breast, Chicken Drumsticks, Buttermilk, Sweet

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If you want to add a little spice to your oven-fried chicken, try this recipe with a kick. The addition of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture gives the chicken a subtle heat that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the tea. Perfect for those who like a little heat in their food.

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Sweet Tea Oven-Fried Chicken Sliders w/ Jalapeno...

Main Ingredients: Chicken Breast, Buttermilk, Sweet Tea, Kosher Salt

Sweet Tea Oven-Fried Chicken Sliders w/ Jalapeno Cheddar Corn Slaw ...

If you're looking for a fun and flavorful appetizer, these sweet tea oven-fried chicken sliders are a must-try. The chicken is first marinated in sweet tea, then coated in a crispy panko breadcrumb mixture before being baked in the oven. Serve them on slider buns with a slice of jalapeno and some honey mustard for a tasty twist on traditional sliders.

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Sweet Citrus Tea

Main Ingredients: Tea, Sweet Tea, Lemon, Navel Orange, Blood Orange, Ice

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If you're looking for a light and refreshing marinade, this sweet citrus tea is the perfect choice. The combination of orange and lemon juices adds a tangy and bright flavor to the chicken, while the sweet tea keeps it moist and tender. Perfect for a summertime cookout or a light dinner option.

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Moonshine Sweet Tea Cupcakes

Main Ingredients: Almond Milk, Tea Bag, Lemon Juice, Cake Flour, Baking

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Who said beer can chicken was just for dinner? These moonshine sweet tea cupcakes are the perfect way to end your meal. The sweet tea-infused cupcakes are topped with a moonshine buttercream frosting for a deliciously boozy treat. Just be sure to save a cupcake or two for yourself before they disappear!

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Pecan Peach Tea Sour

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

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This beer can chicken recipe is perfect for those who love a tangy and savory flavor profile. The combination of peach tea, pecans, and sour cream creates a unique and delicious marinade that will have your taste buds dancing. Pair it with some roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

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Sweet Tea Oven Fried Chicken

Main Ingredients: Gold Peak Sweet Tea, Kosher Salt, Garlic Cloves, Lemon

Healthier Oven Fried Sweet Tea Buffalo Chicken Sandwich. - Half Baked ...

If you're looking for a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken, this oven-fried chicken recipe is a must-try. The chicken is first marinated in sweet tea, then coated in a seasoned flour mixture before being baked in the oven. The result is crispy and flavorful chicken without all the extra oil and calories.

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Sweet Tea Sangria {with fresh peaches & raspberries}

Main Ingredients: Sweet Tea, White Wine, Raspberries, Sliced Peaches

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This sweet tea sangria is the perfect way to kick off a summer barbecue. The combination of sweet tea, fresh peaches, and raspberries creates a light and refreshing drink that pairs perfectly with beer can chicken. Be sure to make a big pitcher, as this drink is sure to be a hit with your guests.

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Sweet Tea Margaritas

Main Ingredients: Sweet Tea, Lime Juice, Tequila, Triple Sec, Sugar

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Looking for a new way to enjoy your favorite cocktail? Try these sweet tea margaritas! The combination of sweet tea, tequila, and triple sec creates a refreshing and unique twist on the classic margarita. Be sure to rim your glass with salt for the full margarita experience.

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Milo's Tea Cranberry Apple Sweet Tea

Main Ingredients: Cranberry Juice, Apple Cider, Sweet Tea, Crushed Ice

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If you're short on time but still want a delicious marinade for your beer can chicken, this recipe is for you. The combination of Milo's sweet tea and cranberry apple juice creates a flavorful and easy marinade that is perfect for a weeknight dinner. Just be sure to reserve some of the marinade for basting the chicken while it cooks.

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Arnold Palmer Lemon Cupcake

Main Ingredients: Flour, Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Salt, Unsalted

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Love the classic combination of lemonade and sweet tea? Then you'll love these Arnold Palmer lemon cupcakes! The sweet tea-infused cupcakes are topped with a tangy lemon buttercream frosting for a deliciously unique dessert. Be sure to garnish with a lemon wedge for an extra pop of flavor.

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Smoked Sweet Tea Pork Jerky

Main Ingredients: Pork Loin, Sweet Tea, Soy Sauce, Brown Sugar, Garlic

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If you're a fan of jerky, you have to try this smoked sweet tea pork jerky. The combination of sweet tea, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce creates a delicious marinade that infuses the pork with a sweet and savory flavor. Perfect for snacking on the go or as a post-workout protein boost.

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Arnold Palmer Drink

Main Ingredients: Sugar, Water, Sweet Tea, Lemonade, Vodka, Bourbon

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If you're a fan of the classic Arnold Palmer drink, you'll love this beer can chicken recipe. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of sweet tea and lemonade for a tangy and refreshing flavor. Pair it with some grilled vegetables for a complete meal.

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Sweet Tea Lemonade Cupcakes & Sweet Tea Vodka Poke Cake

Main Ingredients: Lemon Cake Mix, Eggs, Sweet Tea, Butter, Almond

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Why choose between cupcakes or cake when you can have both? These sweet tea lemonade cupcakes and sweet tea vodka poke cake are the perfect duo for any dessert lover. The cupcakes are infused with sweet tea and topped with a tangy lemon frosting, while the poke cake is soaked in sweet tea and vodka for a boozy twist. Be sure to save room for both!

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SPIKED FLORIDA SWAMP WATER

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

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This beer can chicken recipe is not for the faint of heart. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of sweet tea, pineapple juice, and rum for a sweet and boozy kick. Be sure to serve it with some grilled pineapple for a tropical twist.

The Importance of Baking Soda in Sweet Tea

Sweetness:

One of the main reasons why baking soda is added to sweet tea is to balance out the sweetness. Most sweet tea recipes call for a lot of sugar, which can sometimes be overwhelming and leave a gritty texture. Baking soda helps to neutralize the acidity of the tea and sugar, creating a smoother and more balanced taste.

Color:

Another benefit of using baking soda in sweet tea is that it helps to enhance the color of the tea. When added to the boiling water, baking soda reacts with the tea leaves, releasing more of their natural colors. This results in a richer, darker hue of tea, giving it a more appealing appearance.

Flavor:

In addition to balancing out the sweetness, baking soda also adds a unique flavor to the sweet tea. It gives the tea a slightly tangy and refreshing taste, which is perfect for a hot summer day. The small amount of baking soda used in the recipe adds just the right amount of flavor without overpowering the tea.

How to Make Southern Sweet Tea with Baking Soda

To make the perfect Southern sweet tea with baking soda, follow these simple steps:

Ingredients:

8 cups of water
6 tea bags
1 cup of sugar
1/4 teaspoon of baking soda
Lemon slices (optional)

Instructions:

In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water to a boil.
Once the water is boiling, add in 6 tea bags and let it steep for 5 minutes.
Remove the tea bags and stir in 1 cup of sugar until it dissolves.
Add 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda and stir until it dissolves.
Let the tea cool to room temperature.
Refrigerate the tea for at least 2 hours.
Serve over ice and add lemon slices for an extra burst of flavor (optional).

Conclusion

Adding baking soda to your Southern sweet tea recipe is a game-changer. Not only does it balance out the sweetness, but it also enhances the color and adds a unique flavor to the tea. So the next time you're craving a refreshing glass of sweet tea, don't forget to add a pinch of baking soda for the perfect Southern twist.