15 The Best Southern Style Sweet Tea Recipe You Must Try Them!
Published on: Apr 30, 2024
The south is known for its warm hospitality, rich culture, and delicious cuisine. One of the most beloved and quintessential southern beverages is sweet tea. This refreshing and sweet drink has been a staple in southern households for centuries. While there are many variations of sweet tea, we believe we have found the best southern style sweet tea recipe that will have you sipping and savoring every last drop.
When it comes to classic Southern drinks, sweet tea is at the top of the list. This refreshing beverage is a staple in southern households and is perfect for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue, enjoying a lazy summer day, or just need a pick-me-up, a glass of sweet tea is always a welcome treat.
In the South, sweet tea is more than just a drink - it's a way of life. This iconic beverage is made with simple ingredients, but the flavor is anything but ordinary. With its perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, it's no wonder why sweet tea is loved by so many.
3of 20
Instant Pot Southern Style Sweet Tea
Main Ingredients: Tea Bags, Water, Granulated Sugar, Ice
For those times when you need sweet tea ASAP, the Instant Pot is here to save the day. By using the pressure cooking function, you can have a delicious batch of southern-style sweet tea in just a fraction of the time it would take to make it on the stovetop. Plus, the Instant Pot helps to infuse the tea with extra flavor, making it even more delicious.
4of 20
How To Make Southern Style Sweet Tea
Main Ingredients: Baking Soda, Tea Bags, Boiling Water, White Sugar, Ice
While making sweet tea may seem like a simple task, there are a few key steps to getting it just right. The first step is to brew a strong batch of tea using your preferred brand. Then, add in a generous amount of sugar to achieve that classic southern sweetness. Finally, let the tea chill in the fridge for a few hours to get that perfect cold, refreshing taste.
5of 20
Classic Southern Style Sweet Tea
Main Ingredients: Tea Bags, Baking Soda, Sugar, Water, Ice
The key to a classic southern-style sweet tea is the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. Too much sugar can make the tea cloyingly sweet, while too little can leave it tasting flat. It's all about finding that sweet spot that makes the tea irresistibly delicious.
6of 20
The New Southern Style Sweet Tea
Main Ingredients: Chilled Water, Green Tea Bags, Honey, Lemon, Fresh Mint
While the classic sweet tea recipe has stood the test of time, there are also new and creative variations popping up all over the South. From adding in fresh fruit to infusing the tea with herbs or spices, there are endless possibilities to put a unique twist on this beloved drink.
7of 20
Juanita's Sweet Tea - Southern Sweet Tea
Main Ingredients: Boiling Water, Tea Bag, Granulated Sugar, Cold Water
Juanita's sweet tea is a favorite among many Southerners, as it has a unique blend of flavors that sets it apart from other sweet teas. With a hint of citrus and a touch of mint, this sweet tea is perfect for sipping on a hot summer day.
8of 20
Southern Style Strawberry Sweet Tea
Main Ingredients: Frozen Strawberries, Water, Coconut Sugar, Tea Bags
For a fruity and refreshing twist on the classic sweet tea, try making a batch of Southern style strawberry sweet tea. By adding in fresh strawberries, this tea gets a burst of sweetness and a beautiful pink color that is sure to impress.
9of 20
Southern Strawberry Sweet Tea!
Main Ingredients: Water, Tea Bags, Sugar, Lemon Juiced, Lime Juiced
There's nothing quite like sipping on a glass of homemade sweet tea on a warm summer day. And when you add in fresh strawberries, it takes the flavor to a whole new level. This Southern strawberry sweet tea is the perfect way to cool off and treat yourself.
10of 20
Southern Sweet Tea Granita
Main Ingredients: Water, Sugar, Tea Bags, Heavy Cream, Lemon Zest
If you've never had a sweet tea granita, you're missing out. This frozen treat is made by freezing sweet tea and then scraping it with a fork to create a slushy texture. It's the perfect way to cool off on a hot day and is a fun spin on the classic sweet tea.
There's nothing quite like a perfectly brewed batch of Southern sweet tea. With just the right amount of sugar, a hint of lemon, and served over ice, this tea is the ultimate thirst quencher. You'll never want to go back to store-bought tea after trying this perfect homemade version.
12of 20
Peach Sweet Tea | Kentucky Derby Drink
Main Ingredients: Sugar, Tea, Water, Peaches, Whiskey
The Kentucky Derby is a beloved Southern tradition, and what better way to celebrate than with a refreshing glass of peach sweet tea? This cocktail combines the flavors of sweet tea, peach schnapps, and bourbon for a drink that is both sweet and strong - just like the Southern spirit.
13of 20
Juanita's Southern Sweet Tea
Main Ingredients: Boiling Water, Tea Bag, Granulated Sugar, Cold Water
For a truly authentic Southern sweet tea, look no further than Juanita's recipe. With a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, this tea will transport you to a front porch swing on a warm summer day. Plus, Juanita's secret ingredient adds an extra level of flavor that will keep you coming back for more.
14of 20
Southern Iced Sweet Tea
Main Ingredients: Cold Water, Tea Bags, Sugar
When the temperatures rise, there's nothing more refreshing than a glass of iced sweet tea. With its crisp and cool flavor, it's the perfect drink to enjoy on a hot day. And with just a few simple ingredients, it's easy to make a big batch to keep you cool and hydrated all day long.
15of 20
Southern Sweet Tea With a Secret Ingredient
Main Ingredients: Baking Soda, Water, Tea Bags, Sugar
Every Southern family has their own secret ingredient for making the perfect sweet tea. From a pinch of baking soda to a splash of apple cider vinegar, these little additions can make a big difference in the final taste. Experiment with different secret ingredients to find your own unique take on this classic drink.
16of 20
Summer Sweet Tea
Main Ingredients: Tea Bags, Water, Sugar, Baking Soda
Summer and sweet tea go hand in hand. This classic drink is the perfect way to cool off on a hot day and is a staple at all Southern cookouts and picnics. With its simple yet delicious flavor, it's no surprise that sweet tea is the drink of choice when the summer sun is shining.
17of 20
Shrinking Southern Sweet Tea ‘Shine
Main Ingredients: Tea Bags, Green Tea Bags, Boiling Water, Stevia
For a truly unique take on sweet tea, try making a batch of shrinking Southern sweet tea 'shine. This cocktail combines sweet tea with moonshine for a strong and flavorful drink that is sure to be a hit at any party. Just be careful, as this drink definitely packs a punch.
18of 20
Southern Sweet Tea Brined Turkey Breast
Main Ingredients: Boneless Turkey Breast, Water, Lipton Tea Bags, Brown
Sweet tea brining is a popular method for adding flavor and moisture to meats before cooking. And what better way to try it out than with a Southern sweet tea brined turkey breast? The result is a juicy and flavorful turkey that will be the star of any holiday meal.
There's a reason why sweet tea is a staple in the South - it's simply delicious. With its perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, it's a drink that is loved by all. And whether you prefer it straight up or with a twist, there's no denying that Southern style sweet tea is a classic for a reason.
20of 20
Southern Sweet Iced Tea | Best Southern Sweet Tea...
Main Ingredients: Tea Bags, Boiling Water, Sugar, Cold Water
When it comes to Southern sweet tea, everyone has their own favorite recipe. Some like it sweeter, some like it stronger, but one thing is for sure - there's no one definitive best recipe. So, experiment with different variations until you find the perfect sweet tea for you.
The Importance of Sweet Tea in Southern Culture
Sweet Tea as a Symbol of Hospitality
In the south, sweet tea is not just a beverage, it's a way of life. It is a symbol of hospitality and is often the first thing offered to guests when they arrive. This gesture of offering a glass of sweet tea to visitors is a way of welcoming them into our homes and making them feel at ease. It is a small but meaningful gesture that embodies the southern hospitality that the region is known for.
Sweet Tea as a Staple in Southern Cuisine
Sweet tea is not just a drink, it is a key component of southern cuisine. It is the perfect accompaniment to a hearty southern meal, whether it's fried chicken, barbecue, or a traditional southern spread of collard greens, mac and cheese, and cornbread. Many southerners will tell you that no meal is complete without a glass of sweet tea to wash it down.
Crafting the Perfect Southern Style Sweet Tea
The Right Tea
The first step to making the best southern style sweet tea is choosing the right tea. While some may argue over using loose leaf tea or tea bags, the most important factor is using a quality black tea. Look for teas labeled as "orange pekoe" or "broken orange pekoe" for the best results.
The Perfect Sweetness
As the name suggests, sweet tea is meant to be sweet. However, the amount of sugar added is a matter of personal preference. Some like their tea on the sweeter side, while others prefer a more subtle sweetness. We recommend starting with 1 cup of sugar for every gallon of tea and adjusting to taste from there.
The Art of Iced Tea
Another key component of southern style sweet tea is the ice. While some may think any type of ice will do, southerners know that the type of ice used can make or break a glass of sweet tea. We recommend using crushed ice for the perfect balance between chilling the tea and diluting it.
In conclusion, sweet tea is more than just a drink in the south, it is a way of life. It is a symbol of hospitality and a staple in southern cuisine. With the perfect combination of quality tea, the right amount of sweetness, and the perfect ice, you can create the best southern style sweet tea that will have everyone asking for your recipe. So next time you have guests over, be sure to offer them a glass of sweet tea and share this recipe with them. Your southern hospitality will surely be appreciated.