Best 2 Low Sugar Or Sugar Free Southern Sweet Tea Recipes
In the realm of Southern hospitality, sweet tea reigns supreme, a refreshing beverage deeply embedded in the region's culture and traditions. This iconic drink, often served in tall glasses filled with ice and garnished with a lemon wedge, is a staple at gatherings, picnics, and backyard barbecues. While classic sweet tea is known for its sugary sweetness, there's a growing demand for healthier alternatives that cater to those seeking a mindful approach to indulgence.
This article presents a collection of meticulously curated low-sugar and sugar-free sweet tea recipes that preserve the essence of this Southern delight while offering a guilt-free indulgence. From variations using natural sweeteners like stevia and monk fruit to innovative methods like cold-brewing and sun-brewing, these recipes provide a range of options to suit diverse preferences and dietary needs.
Dive into a world of low-sugar sweet tea bliss with recipes like the "Zesty Lemon Low-Sugar Sweet Tea," where the tangy zing of lemon complements the subtle sweetness of stevia. Discover the "Peachy Keen Sugar-Free Sweet Tea," where the infusion of juicy peaches creates a burst of fruity flavor without compromising on health goals.
For those seeking a caffeine-free option, the "Herbal Haven Sugar-Free Sweet Tea" blends aromatic herbs with a touch of sweetness, resulting in a soothing and flavorful beverage. And for those who appreciate the classic taste of sweet tea but desire a lighter version, the "Half-Sweetened Southern Sweet Tea" offers a harmonious balance of sweetness and refreshment.
Whether you're a traditionalist seeking a healthier twist on a beloved classic or a health-conscious individual looking for a guilt-free indulgence, this compilation of low-sugar and sugar-free sweet tea recipes promises a delightful journey into the world of Southern refreshment.
ABSOLUTELY THE BEST SOUTHERN SWEET TEA
I know, I know. Everyone claims the best sweet tea around. I only say mine is best because everyone, and I do mean everyone... says so (so far, but now it's posted so that may change). Posted by request. Sometimes we will substitute two of the Lipton tea bags for two green tea bags which gives this tea another wonderful flavor. SOME TEA 'BAG' HISTORY: Tea 'bags' were originally created by manufacturers as 'samples' of their fine teas and given to the distributors to boost sales.
Provided by 2Bleu
Categories Beverages
Time 4h5m
Yield 1 gallon, 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 3
Steps:
- Hold tea bags lined up evenly by the strings and make a loop knot to hold them together. Pull off paper and staple (from paper side). Set aside.
- In a one gallon pitcher, add very hot water. Stir in the sugar till dissolved.
- Add tea bags and dunk into water a few times, then leave them in the pitcher. Cover with lid of pitcher and refrigerate.
- Wait until it is very cold (at least 3-4 hours). The flavor changes until it reaches the 'cold' state.
- Drink and enjoy. (I leave the bags set in the pitcher, but recommend taking them out after about 8 hours--- IF it lasts that long! We make 2 pitchers at a time down here in the south. :).
Nutrition Facts : Calories 172, Sodium 19.4, Carbohydrate 44.4, Sugar 44.3
LOW SUGAR (OR SUGAR FREE) SOUTHERN SWEET TEA
Less sugar and no artificial sweeteners- but still that nice authentic southern sweet tea. I grew up in Alabama and had sweet tea in my bottles as a baby. This is not as sweet as the tea that I grew up on with 2 cups of sugar in a half gallon, but it's still plenty sweet for me even with just 1/4 cup sugar. I used to make a sugar free version replacing the sugar with Splenda. Over time I developed an allergy to Splenda, so I started using sugar. Using 2 sweeteners helps avoid an after-taste.
Provided by Cookingfor7
Categories Beverages
Time 30m
Yield 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Boil 4 cups hot water. Place tea bags in heat-proof glass container. Pour boiling water over tea bags and steep 15-20 minutes. Remove tea bags. Stir in sugar until completely disolved.
- Add 4 cups ice water to tea, then stir in Stevia packets. Refrigerate overnight. (The stevia after-taste is too strong on the first day) Serve over ice, and use within 4 days (the tea will start to get a bitter taste after a few days).
- NOTE: This makes a strong tea. I like to pour mine over a glass of ice and let it sit for a while before I drink it, so I make it strong enough that it taste right when watered down by melted ice.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 24.2, Sodium 4.7, Carbohydrate 6.2, Sugar 6.2
Tips:
- Use loose-leaf tea: Loose-leaf tea provides a more robust flavor than tea bags. To brew, place 3 tablespoons of loose-leaf tea in a tea infuser and steep in 4 cups of boiling water for 5 minutes.
- Choose the right sweetener: If you're looking for a sugar-free option, consider using stevia, monk fruit, or erythritol. These sweeteners have a low glycemic index and won't spike your blood sugar levels.
- Adjust the sweetness to your liking: Start by adding a small amount of sweetener and taste the tea. Add more sweetener, if desired, until you reach the desired sweetness level.
- Let the tea cool before serving: Sweet tea is traditionally served cold, so let it cool to room temperature before adding ice or refrigerating.
- Garnish with fresh fruits or herbs: For a refreshing twist, garnish your sweet tea with fresh fruits like lemon, lime, or berries. You can also add herbs like mint or basil for a unique flavor.
Conclusion:
Low-sugar or sugar-free Southern sweet tea is a delicious and refreshing beverage that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can make this classic Southern drink at home. So next time you're looking for a sweet and refreshing drink, give low-sugar or sugar-free Southern sweet tea a try. You won't be disappointed!
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