Best 3 South Carolina Sweet Tea Recipes

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In the realm of Southern hospitality, few beverages hold a more cherished place than sweet tea. Originating in the sun-drenched state of South Carolina, this refreshing concoction has captivated taste buds for generations. Our comprehensive guide unveils the secrets behind this iconic drink, offering a collection of delectable recipes that cater to every palate. From the classic Sweet Tea, bursting with bold flavors, to the Peach Sweet Tea, infused with the essence of summer, and the Lemon Sweet Tea, a delightful blend of tart and sweet, this article encompasses the diverse tapestry of South Carolina's sweet tea legacy. Whether you prefer the simplicity of traditional methods or the convenience of modern appliances, our step-by-step instructions ensure a perfect cup every time. Embark on a culinary journey as we unlock the secrets of this beloved Southern tradition.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

SOUTH CAROLINA SWEET TEA



South Carolina Sweet Tea image

Remember, this is the South, where simplicity is the secret to most recipes. Follow this to the 'T' and you will have sweet tea, Sand Lapper (South Carolina) style.

Provided by Deanna Ross

Categories     Drinks Recipes     Tea     Iced Tea Recipes

Time 11m

Yield 16

Number Of Ingredients 2

3 family size tea bags
2 cups white sugar

Steps:

  • Using an electric coffee maker, Place the 3 tea bags in the strainer basket (not in the pot). Brew the tea as you would coffee. Pour the sugar in a gallon pitcher. Pour in the hot tea. Continue to run coffee maker with the tea bags until you have enough tea to fill the pitcher. Allow to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 96.8 calories, Carbohydrate 25 g, Sugar 25 g

SOUTH CAROLINA SWEET TEA



South Carolina Sweet Tea image

Make and share this South Carolina Sweet Tea recipe from Food.com.

Provided by ki_94

Categories     Beverages

Time 30m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 4

8 cups water
1 -1 1/3 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
4 family-sized tea bags (I use Luzianne)

Steps:

  • Mix water and sugar gradually, tasting and adjusting as necessary. Pour into a pot and bring to a boil over high heat.
  • Remove from heat and add baking soda. Dunk teabags several times and cover. Allow to steep for 15 - 30 minutes (taste at 15 minutes).
  • Remove tea bags (do not press!) and let cool to room temperature. Then transfer to a 2-quart glass or plastic pitcher.
  • Refrigerate for several hours. Serve/garnish with lemon or orange slices. Enjoy! For swamp water, substitute 1 cup freshly-squeezed lemon juice for the same amount of water when adding sugar.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 193.5, Sodium 93.4, Carbohydrate 50, Sugar 49.9

DOWN SOUTH SWEET TEA CAKE



Down South Sweet Tea Cake image

I think this recipe combines two of the best and most famous ingredients from the South: sweet tea and pecans! Using a cake mix simplifies prep and helps ease the holiday time crunch. -Melissa Millwood, Lyman, South Carolina

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 1h5m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 package yellow cake mix (regular size)
1 package (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix
1 cup strong brewed tea, cooled, divided
4 large eggs, room temperature
3/4 cup canola oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon lemon extract
1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
2 cups confectioners' sugar
1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°. Grease and flour a 10-in. fluted tube pan. In a large bowl, combine cake mix, pudding mix, 3/4 cup tea, eggs, oil, vanilla and lemon extract; beat on low speed 30 seconds. Beat on medium 2 minutes. Stir in pecans. Transfer to prepared pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 45-50 minutes., Cool in pan 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely. In a small bowl, mix confectioners' sugar, butter and enough remaining tea to reach desired consistency. Pour glaze over top of cake, allowing some to flow over sides.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 511 calories, Fat 29g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 76mg cholesterol, Sodium 357mg sodium, Carbohydrate 62g carbohydrate (44g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 4g protein.

Tips:

  • Use quality tea leaves: Fresh, high-quality tea leaves will produce the best flavor. Look for organic or sustainably sourced options.
  • Steep the tea for the right amount of time: The ideal steeping time for black tea is 3-5 minutes. Steeping for too long can make the tea bitter.
  • Sweeten the tea to your taste: Use sugar, honey, or your favorite sweetener to sweeten the tea to your desired taste.
  • Chill the tea before serving: Chilled sweet tea is refreshing and delicious. You can chill the tea in the refrigerator or over ice.
  • Add flavorings: Experiment with different flavorings to create unique variations of sweet tea. Some popular flavorings include lemon, mint, and peach.

Conclusion:

South Carolina sweet tea is a refreshing and flavorful beverage that is perfect for any occasion. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe is a great way to enjoy a taste of the South. So next time you're looking for a refreshing drink, give South Carolina sweet tea a try. You won't be disappointed!

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