18 Southern Unsweetened Iced Tea Recipe Cook Up Something Special!
Published on: Mar 21, 2024
Southern unsweetened iced tea is a refreshing and delicious drink that is perfect for hot summer days. This classic beverage is a staple in the southern United States and is loved by many for its simple yet satisfying taste. While sweet tea may be the more popular choice, this unsweetened version offers a lighter and more subtle flavor that is just as enjoyable. In this article, we'll share a simple and easy recipe for making your own southern unsweetened iced tea at home. So grab your mason jars and let's get brewing!
Main Ingredients: Fresh Peaches, Water, Granulated Sugar, Lemon, Tea Bags
Nothing says summer in the South like a glass of refreshing peach iced tea. The sweet and tangy flavors of fresh peaches combine perfectly with the classic tea base, creating a drink that is both familiar and unique.
To make this delicious drink, start by brewing your favorite black tea and allowing it to cool. Then, blend together fresh peaches, sugar, and lemon juice until smooth. Mix this puree with the cooled tea and refrigerate until chilled. Serve over ice and garnish with a fresh peach slice for a truly Southern experience.
Tip: For an extra kick, add a splash of bourbon to your peach iced tea.
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Southern Mint Iced Tea Gelato
Main Ingredients: Milk, Heavy Cream, Egg Yolks, Sugar, Mint Sprigs
If you love the taste of mint in your tea, then you'll love this twist on the classic iced tea. Instead of a liquid drink, this recipe turns it into a creamy and refreshing gelato.
Start by brewing a strong pot of black tea and allow it to cool. Then, mix together heavy cream, sugar, and chopped fresh mint leaves. Once the mixture is smooth, add in the cooled tea and stir until well combined. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions. Freeze until firm and enjoy!
Tip: Drizzle some honey over your mint iced tea gelato for a touch of sweetness.
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Southern Cornbread – Southern Skillet Cornbread
Main Ingredients: Butter, Yellow Cornmeal, Flour, Baking Soda, Salt
Cornbread is a staple in Southern cooking, and this recipe for skillet cornbread is the epitome of comfort food. Made with cornmeal, flour, eggs, and milk, this cornbread is baked in a cast iron skillet for a crispy, golden crust.
For an extra kick of flavor, add in some chopped jalapenos or shredded cheddar cheese to the batter. Serve warm with a drizzle of honey or a pat of butter for a mouthwatering side dish that pairs perfectly with any Southern meal.
Tip: If you don't have a cast iron skillet, you can use a regular baking dish for this recipe.
Strawberries are another popular flavor in Southern cuisine, and they add a delicious twist to classic sweet tea. This recipe combines the flavors of juicy strawberries and sweet tea for a refreshing and fruity beverage.
To make this drink, blend together fresh strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice until smooth. Mix this puree with brewed and cooled black tea and refrigerate until chilled. Serve over ice and garnish with a strawberry slice for a beautiful and tasty summer treat.
Tip: For an adult version, add a splash of strawberry liqueur to your iced tea.
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Perfect Southern Sweet Iced Tea {Never Bitter}
Main Ingredients: Tea Bags, Boiling Water, Sugar, Cold Water, Baking
For many Southerners, sweet tea is a way of life. This recipe promises a perfectly sweet and never bitter iced tea that is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Start by brewing your favorite black tea and allowing it to cool. Then, mix together sugar, water, and lemon juice until the sugar dissolves. Pour this mixture into the cooled tea and stir until well combined. Refrigerate until chilled and serve over ice for a refreshing and sweet drink.
Tip: For a fun twist, add some fresh berries or herbs to your sweet tea for a burst of flavor.
When it comes to comfort food, Southern smothered chicken is a classic. Tender chicken smothered in a rich and flavorful gravy makes for a hearty and satisfying meal.
To make this dish, start by browning chicken pieces in a skillet. Then, remove the chicken and sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers until tender. Add in flour and chicken broth to make a thick gravy, and return the chicken to the skillet. Simmer until the chicken is fully cooked and serve over rice or mashed potatoes for a delicious Southern dinner.
Tip: Add some hot sauce for a spicy kick to your smothered chicken.
Cornbread dressing is a staple on Southern holiday tables, and this recipe is a must-try for any Southern cook. Made with crumbled cornbread, vegetables, and herbs, this dressing is full of flavor and the perfect accompaniment to any roast or turkey.
Pro Tip: For even more flavor, use homemade cornbread and chicken broth in this recipe.
To make this dish, start by making your cornbread and allowing it to cool. Then, crumble the cornbread and mix it with sautéed onions, bell peppers, celery, and herbs. Pour in chicken broth and mix until the dressing is moist but not soggy. Bake until golden brown and crispy on top.
Collard greens are a Southern staple and are often served as a side dish to hearty meat dishes. This recipe for collard greens is simple yet flavorful, making it the perfect addition to any Southern meal.
Start by sautéing onions, garlic, and smoked ham hocks in a large pot. Add in chicken broth, collard greens, and seasonings, and let simmer until the greens are tender and flavorful. Serve with a splash of vinegar for a tangy finish.
Tip: Use leftover ham or bacon instead of ham hocks for a different flavor profile.
Oxtails may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Southern cooking, but they are a delicious and hearty dish that is popular in many Southern kitchens. This recipe for smothered oxtails is rich and flavorful, making it a perfect comfort food for colder months.
To make this dish, start by browning oxtails in a large pot. Then, sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers until tender. Add in beef broth, tomato paste, and seasonings, and let simmer until the oxtails are fall-off-the-bone tender. Serve over rice or mashed potatoes for a satisfying meal.
Tip: For a thicker gravy, mix in a bit of cornstarch dissolved in water during the last few minutes of cooking.
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Classic Flaky Southern Biscuits
Main Ingredients: Flour, Whole Milk, Butter, Sugar, Baking Powder, Salt
Biscuits are a Southern breakfast tradition, and this recipe will give you perfectly flaky and buttery biscuits every time. Using only a few simple ingredients, these biscuits are easy to make and delicious to eat.
To make these biscuits, start by combining flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a bowl. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Then, mix in buttermilk until a soft dough forms. Roll out the dough and cut into biscuits before baking until golden brown.
Tip: For extra flakiness, fold the dough a few times before rolling it out.
No Southern potluck or family gathering is complete without a dish of creamy and cheesy macaroni and cheese. This recipe for baked mac and cheese is a Southern classic and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Start by cooking your pasta and making a roux with butter and flour. Then, add in milk, cheese, and seasonings to make a rich and creamy cheese sauce. Mix in the cooked pasta and pour the mixture into a baking dish. Top with more cheese and bake until bubbly and golden brown on top.
Tip: Add in some chopped cooked bacon for a delicious twist on this classic dish.
This recipe for baked mac and cheese is a bit different from the classic version, as it uses a combination of three different types of cheese for a more complex and indulgent flavor.
Start by cooking your pasta and making a cheese sauce with butter, flour, milk, and a blend of sharp cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan cheese. Mix in the cooked pasta and bake until bubbly and golden brown on top. Serve as a side dish or as a main course with some added protein, like chicken or shrimp.
Tip: Use a mixture of different types of pasta, such as macaroni and penne, for a fun twist on this recipe.
Pecan pie is a classic Southern dessert, and these pecan pie bars are a more portable and easy-to-make version of the traditional pie. Made with a buttery shortbread crust and a gooey pecan filling, these bars are sure to be a hit at any gathering.
To make these bars, start by making the crust with flour, sugar, butter, and salt. Bake until golden brown, then pour in a mixture of eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, and chopped pecans. Bake until set and enjoy these delicious and sweet treats.
Tip: Add some chocolate chips or a drizzle of chocolate over the top of these bars for a decadent twist.
Peach cobbler is a classic Southern dessert that is loved by many. This recipe for peach cobbler is simple and delicious, using fresh peaches and a flaky biscuit topping for the perfect combination of sweet and savory.
To make this dessert, start by peeling and slicing fresh peaches and mixing them with sugar, flour, and spices. Pour this mixture into a baking dish and top with pieces of biscuit dough. Bake until the peaches are bubbly and the biscuits are golden brown and crispy on top.
Tip: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic Southern dessert experience.
This recipe for collard greens is a classic and simple version of the popular Southern side dish. Made with just a few ingredients, these greens are cooked until tender and full of flavor.
Start by sautéing onions and garlic in a large pot. Then, add in chicken broth, collard greens, and seasonings, and let simmer until the greens are tender. Serve with a splash of vinegar for a tangy finish.
Tip: Use a mix of collard greens and other leafy greens, such as kale or mustard greens, for a more diverse flavor profile.
Pimento cheese is a popular spread in the South, and this recipe will show you how to make it from scratch. Made with shredded cheddar cheese, mayo, and chopped pimentos, this spread is perfect for sandwiches, crackers, or as a dip.
To make this recipe, mix together shredded cheddar cheese, mayo, pimentos, and seasonings until well combined. Adjust the consistency with more mayo or cheese, depending on your preference. Serve with crackers or use as a spread on sandwiches for a delicious and tangy flavor.
Tip: Add some diced jalapenos for a spicy kick to your pimento cheese.
Cabbage is a versatile vegetable that is often used in Southern cooking. This recipe for Southern cabbage is simple and delicious, making it a perfect side dish for any meal.
To make this dish, sauté onions and garlic in a large pot. Then, add in sliced cabbage and chicken broth and let simmer until the cabbage is tender and flavorful. Serve with a sprinkle of black pepper for a simple and tasty side dish.
Tip: Add some diced bacon or ham for a smoky and savory flavor to your cabbage.
Sausage gravy is a classic Southern breakfast dish and is often served over biscuits for a hearty and filling meal. This recipe for sausage gravy is simple and flavorful, and will become a favorite in your household.
Start by browning breakfast sausage in a skillet. Then, add in flour and milk to make a thick and creamy gravy. Serve over biscuits for a delicious and satisfying breakfast or brunch option.
Tip: Use a mix of spicy and mild breakfast sausage for a more complex and flavorful gravy.
Cornbread is a staple in Southern cooking, and this recipe will show you how to make it from scratch. Made with cornmeal, flour, eggs, and milk, this cornbread is easy to make and pairs perfectly with any Southern meal.
For an extra kick of flavor, add in some chopped jalapenos or shredded cheddar cheese to the batter. Serve warm with a drizzle of honey or a pat of butter for a mouthwatering side dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Tip: Use a cast iron skillet for a crispy and golden crust on your cornbread.
Hush puppies are a classic Southern side dish that is often served with seafood dishes. This recipe for hush puppies is easy to make and results in crispy and flavorful bites that are sure to be a hit.
To make these hush puppies, start by mixing together cornmeal, flour, buttermilk, and seasonings until a thick batter forms. Drop spoonfuls of the batter into hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy. Serve as a side dish or as a snack for a taste of the South.
Tip: Add some diced onions or jalapenos to the batter for extra flavor and texture.
Making the Perfect Southern Unsweetened Iced Tea
Ingredients:
To make a pitcher of southern unsweetened iced tea, you will need:
- 4 cups of water
- 3-4 tea bags (black tea or a blend of black and green tea)
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slices (optional)
- Fresh mint leaves (optional)
Instructions:
1. Begin by boiling 4 cups of water in a pot or kettle. Once the water comes to a boil, turn off the heat and let it cool for a minute.
2. Place 3-4 tea bags of your choice in a heat-resistant pitcher. We recommend using black tea or a blend of black and green tea for a well-rounded flavor.
3. Pour the hot water over the tea bags and let them steep for 3-5 minutes, depending on how strong you want your tea to be.
4. After the tea has steeped, remove the tea bags and discard them.
5. Let the tea cool to room temperature before placing it in the refrigerator to chill.
6. Once chilled, pour the tea over a glass filled with ice cubes.
7. Add a slice of lemon and a few fresh mint leaves for a refreshing twist.
8. Give the tea a quick stir and enjoy your homemade southern unsweetened iced tea!
Tips for the Perfect Brew:
- Use filtered or bottled water for the best tasting tea.
- Steep the tea for longer if you prefer a stronger flavor.
- For a more delicate taste, use fewer tea bags or let them steep for a shorter amount of time.
- Experiment with different types of tea to find your favorite blend.
Benefits of Unsweetened Iced Tea:
While sweet tea may be the go-to choice for many southerners, unsweetened iced tea offers a variety of health benefits. Firstly, it is a much lower calorie option as it does not contain any added sugar. This makes it a great choice for those watching their sugar intake or trying to maintain a healthy weight. Unsweetened tea is also rich in antioxidants, which can help boost your immune system and protect against free radicals. Plus, it's a great way to stay hydrated without consuming sugary drinks.
In conclusion, making your own southern unsweetened iced tea at home is quick, easy, and a healthier alternative to the sweetened version. With just a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy a refreshing and delicious beverage that is perfect for any occasion. So next time you're craving a cool drink on a hot day, skip the soda and reach for a glass of homemade southern unsweetened iced tea.
