Best 20 Sweet Tea Recipes

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In the realm of refreshing beverages, sweet tea reigns supreme, quenching thirst and tantalizing taste buds with its Southern charm. This iconic drink, steeped in tradition and hospitality, has captivated hearts and palates for generations. Our collection of sweet tea recipes offers a delightful journey through variations that cater to diverse preferences and dietary needs.

From the classic Southern Sweet Tea, a timeless blend of black tea, sugar, and a hint of lemon, to the invigorating Peach Sweet Tea, infused with the natural sweetness of ripe peaches, our recipes promise an explosion of flavors. Indulge in the zesty Lemon Sweet Tea, where citrusy notes dance upon the tongue, or embrace the caffeine-free delight of Hibiscus Sweet Tea, boasting a vibrant red hue and a tangy hibiscus kiss.

For those seeking a healthier alternative, our Sugar-Free Sweet Tea offers a guilt-free indulgence, sweetened with natural stevia or monk fruit extract. And for a touch of elegance, the Sparkling Sweet Tea Sangria combines the refreshing essence of sweet tea with the festive spirit of sangria, making it a perfect party pleaser.

With step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and a treasure trove of flavor combinations, our sweet tea recipes are an invitation to explore the depths of this beloved Southern tradition. Whether you're a seasoned tea enthusiast or a curious culinary adventurer, let us guide you on a sweet and refreshing journey.

Let's cook with our recipes!

SMOOTH SWEET TEA



Smooth Sweet Tea image

Southern sweet tea, perfect for hot summer days!

Provided by cookincode3

Categories     Drinks Recipes     Tea     Iced Tea Recipes

Time 3h20m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 pinch baking soda
2 cups boiling water
6 tea bags
¾ cup white sugar
6 cups cool water

Steps:

  • Sprinkle a pinch of baking soda into a 64-ounce, heat-proof, glass pitcher. Pour in boiling water, and add tea bags. Cover, and allow to steep for 15 minutes.
  • Remove tea bags, and discard; stir in sugar until dissolved. Pour in cool water, then refrigerate until cold.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 72.6 calories, Carbohydrate 18.7 g, Sodium 41.3 mg, Sugar 18.7 g

ICED SWEET MINT TEA



Iced Sweet Mint Tea image

If you enjoy having a soothing, refreshing glass of iced tea in the summertime, I hope you will try my version of sweet mint tea. I grew up drinking mint tea and still enjoy it so very much today. If you don't care for sugar in your tea, just leave it out, it will still be just as satisfying.

Provided by Bev I Am

Categories     Beverages

Time 25m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 5

12 bags single serving tea (caffinated or decafe)
2 quarts boiling water
10 sprigs mint
1 cup sugar (or to taste)
2 lemons, sliced

Steps:

  • In large tea pot (or two small tea pots) pour boiling water over tea bags and mint and allow to steep for 20 minutes.
  • Place sugar in 2-quart pitcher (that will tolerate some heat).
  • Pour freshly brewed tea (minus mint and tea bags) into sugar and stir until sugar is dissolved.
  • Place in refrigerator until ready to serve.
  • To serve, pour into tall glasses over ice.
  • Serve with lemon slices.
  • Serves 8.

ALCOHOLIC SWEET PEACH TEA



Alcoholic Sweet Peach Tea image

A fresh, peachy sweet tea that's perfect for hot summer days. I am definitely NOT a fan of sweet or flavored tea, but I came up with this concoction on accident, and LOVE it. Remember, the amount of alcohol you want to use is up to personal taste. I personally use a little more vodka than peach schnapps. I just like a touch of the peach flavoring.

Provided by groucho

Categories     Drinks Recipes     Cocktail Recipes     Vodka Drinks Recipes

Time 5m

Yield 1

Number Of Ingredients 4

ice cubes
1 cup iced tea
1 fluid ounce vodka
1 fluid ounce peach schnapps

Steps:

  • Fill a tall glass with ice. Pour iced tea, vodka, and peach schnapps over the ice.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 172.6 calories, Carbohydrate 14 g, Fat 0.1 g, Sodium 16.8 mg, Sugar 12.1 g

SWEET TEA CONCENTRATE



Sweet Tea Concentrate image

Sweet iced tea is a Southern classic and this is a fabulous recipe for those tea lovers or for a party. The concentrate will make 20 servings. -Natalie Bremson, Plantation, Florida

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 30m

Yield 20 servings (5 cups concentrate).

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 medium lemons
4 cups sugar
4 cups water
1-1/2 cups English breakfast tea leaves or 20 black tea bags
EACH SERVING:
1 cup cold water
Ice cubes

Steps:

  • Remove peels from lemons; squeeze fruit, reserving 1/3 cup. Save remaining juice for another use., In a large saucepan, combine sugar and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, until sugar is dissolved, 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat; add tea leaves and lemon peels. Cover and steep for 15 minutes. Strain tea, discarding tea leaves and lemon peels; stir in lemon juice. Cool to room temperature., Transfer to a container with a tight-fitting lid. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks., To prepare tea: In a tall glass, combine water with 1/4 cup concentrate; add ice.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 165 calories, Fat 0 fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 27mg sodium, Carbohydrate 43g carbohydrate (40g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 0 protein.

SWEET CITRUS ICED TEA



Sweet Citrus Iced Tea image

My family has been making iced tea this way ever since I was a child. When I recently prepared it for a church function, everyone liked it so much that they asked for the recipe. - Diane C Kirkpatrick, Terre Hill, Pennsylvania

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 15m

Yield 1 gallon.

Number Of Ingredients 6

14-1/2 cups water, divided
10 tea bags
1-1/2 cups sugar
2/3 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup thawed orange juice concentrate
Ice cubes

Steps:

  • In a large saucepan, bring 4 cups of water just to a boil. Remove from the heat. Add tea bags; let stand for 10 minutes. Discard tea bags. , Pour tea into a large container. Stir in the sugar, lemon juice, orange juice concentrate and remaining water. Refrigerate until chilled. Serve over ice.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 82 calories, Fat 0 fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 0 sodium, Carbohydrate 21g carbohydrate (20g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 0 protein. Diabetic Exchanges

SWEET LIME ICED TEA



Sweet Lime Iced Tea image

What's more Southern than sweet iced tea? I've lived in Florida all my life, yet I'm not a huge fan of the overly sweet iced tea that is popular here in the South. My grandma has made this version for as long as I can remember and it is the BEST!! Not too sweet, and not too bitter...and the fresh lime juice --- amazing!!!

Provided by CookinginFL

Categories     Drinks Recipes     Tea     Iced Tea Recipes

Time 4h

Yield 16

Number Of Ingredients 4

1 gallon boiling water
6 black tea bags
1 ½ cups white sugar
4 limes, juiced

Steps:

  • Pour the water into a gallon sized jar over the tea bags. Allow to steep for 45 minutes. Remove and discard the tea bags. Stir in the sugar and lime juice until the sugar has dissolved. Cool to room temperature; refrigerate until cold before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 74.9 calories, Carbohydrate 19.5 g, Sodium 7.3 mg, Sugar 18.9 g

DON'S SIMPLE SWEET TEA



Don's Simple Sweet Tea image

A simple sweet tea recipe that anyone can do.

Provided by Don Dopiriak

Categories     Drinks Recipes     Tea     Iced Tea Recipes

Time 1h15m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 3

8 cups water
4 family-sized tea bags
2 cups white sugar

Steps:

  • Bring water to a boil in a pot. Dissolve sugar in boiling water; remove from heat.
  • Steep tea bags in water to desired strength of tea, 3 to 5 minutes.
  • Refrigerate tea until cold, at least 1 hour.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 154.8 calories, Carbohydrate 40 g, Sodium 5.7 mg, Sugar 40 g

SWEET APPLE ICED TEA



Sweet Apple Iced Tea image

Provided by Giada De Laurentiis

Categories     beverage

Time 2h32m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

6 cups water
6 sweet apple tea bags (recommended: Celestial Seasonings Sweet Apple Chamomile)
1 1/3 cups Vanilla Simple Syrup, recipe follows
1 small apple, thinly sliced
1/2 lemon, thinly sliced
Ice
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup water
1 vanilla bean, cut in 1/2 lengthwise and seeds removed

Steps:

  • In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil over high heat. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the tea bags. Allow the liquid to cool to room temperature, about 1 hour. Remove the tea bags and discard. Add the Vanilla Simple Syrup and stir. Pour the mixture into a glass pitcher. Add the apple and lemon slices and refrigerate for 1 hour.
  • Pour the tea into ice-filled glasses and serve.
  • In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, water, vanilla bean, and vanilla bean seeds. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved. Remove the pan from the heat and allow the syrup to cool, about 20 minutes. Strain before using.
  • Yield: 1 1/3cups

THAI SWEET ICED TEA



Thai Sweet Iced Tea image

A delicious Thai iced tea for a refreshing afternoon.

Provided by Gigi

Time 2h25m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 9

6 cups water
1 cup Thai tea leaves
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon crushed cardamom pods
¼ teaspoon crushed cloves
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 ¼ cups white sugar
1 cup half-and-half, or to taste
crushed ice, as needed

Steps:

  • Bring water to a boil in a saucepan. Stir in tea leaves, vanilla extract, cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon. Cover and remove from the heat. Let steep for 15 minutes.
  • Pour tea through a fine mesh strainer; discard tea leaves. Add sugar and stir until dissolved. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours.
  • Fill glasses with crushed ice. Pour tea into glasses and top with half-and-half.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 229.6 calories, Carbohydrate 44.1 g, Cholesterol 14.9 mg, Fat 4.8 g, Fiber 0.1 g, Protein 2.8 g, SaturatedFat 2.9 g, Sodium 27.7 mg, Sugar 42 g

LUZIANNE RASPBERRY SWEET ICED TEA



Luzianne Raspberry Sweet Iced Tea image

Make and share this Luzianne Raspberry Sweet Iced Tea recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Doxie Lovers

Categories     Beverages

Time 5m

Yield 1 gallon, 16 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 4

1 large luzianne decaffeinated tea bag (family-size, for iced tea)
4 shoprite raspberry herbal tea bags
1 gallon water
1 1/2 cups sugar

Steps:

  • Fill your pot comfortably with enough water, turn to medium heat, add tea bags, and bring to boil.
  • Once it has come to a boil, remove from heat and let steep for a couple of minutes.
  • Remove bags from water, pour tea in pitcher, add sugar, and stir until dissolved.
  • Fill gallon pitcher the remaining way with cold water and stir.
  • Enjoy!

MINT SIMPLE SYRUP FOR SWEET TEA



Mint Simple Syrup for Sweet Tea image

Mint syrup adds flavor to our Southern-style iced Sweet Tea.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Healthy Recipes     Gluten-Free Recipes

Yield Makes about 1 1/2 cups

Number Of Ingredients 2

1 cup sugar
6 sprigs fresh mint, plus more for serving

Steps:

  • Heat sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring, until sugar has dissolved. Bring to a boil. Stir in mint. Remove from heat, and let stand 30 minutes. Pour through a fine sieve into an airtight container; discard mint. Let cool completely. Syrup can be refrigerated up to 1 month. Serve with additional mint sprigs, if desired.

CHERRY LIMEADE SWEET TEA



Cherry Limeade Sweet Tea image

Sweet tea and cherry limeade are two of my favorite summer libations, so I decided to combine them-the results are wonderful. -Renee Page, Rochelle, Illinois

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 15m

Yield 14 servings (about 2-1/2 quarts).

Number Of Ingredients 7

8 cups water
6 tea bags
1/4 cup sugar
1 can (12 ounces) frozen limeade concentrate, thawed
1 cup chilled cherry juice blend
Ice cubes
Lime wedges and pitted dark sweet cherries

Steps:

  • In a Dutch oven, bring water to a boil; remove from heat. Add tea bags; steep, covered, 10 minutes. Discard tea bags. Stir in sugar until dissolved; cool slightly. Transfer to a pitcher; cool completely., Add limeade concentrate and cherry juice to tea. Serve over ice with lime wedges and cherries.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 71 calories, Fat 0 fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 6mg sodium, Carbohydrate 18g carbohydrate (16g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 0 protein.

GOOD OL' ALABAMA SWEET TEA



Good Ol' Alabama Sweet Tea image

This sweet tea is found in houses, churches, and cafes all over the great state of Alabama. If you're north of the Mason-Dixon, you've NEVER had tea this good! Fresh-squeezed lemon, lime, or orange juice can be added for an extra flavor.

Provided by LOVECATS2001

Categories     Drinks Recipes     Tea     Iced Tea Recipes

Time 11m

Yield 16

Number Of Ingredients 5

2 cups sugar
½ gallon water
1 tray ice cubes
3 family sized teabags of orange pekoe tea
3 cups cold water, or as needed

Steps:

  • Pour the sugar into a large pitcher. Bring water to a boil in a large pan. When the water begins to boil, remove from the heat, and place the teabags in. Let steep for 5 to 6 minutes.
  • Remove tea bags, and return tea to the heat. Bring just to a boil, then pour into the pitcher, and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Fill the pitcher half way with ice, and stir until most of it melts. Then fill the pitcher the rest of the way with cold water, and stir until blended.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 96.8 calories, Carbohydrate 25 g, Sodium 4.2 mg, Sugar 25 g

SWEET RASPBERRY TEA



Sweet Raspberry Tea image

You only need a handful of ingredients to stir together this refreshing spring sipper. Its brilliant color and smile-fetching flavor will make a popular thirst quencher as the weather turns warm. -Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 25m

Yield 15 servings (3-3/4 quarts).

Number Of Ingredients 5

4 quarts water, divided
10 tea bags
1 package (12 ounces) frozen unsweetened raspberries, thawed and undrained
1 cup sugar
3 tablespoons lime juice

Steps:

  • In a saucepan, bring 2 quarts water to a boil; remove from heat. Add tea bags; steep, covered, 5-8 minutes according to taste. Discard tea bags., Place raspberries, sugar and remaining water in a large saucepan; bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve sugar. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 3 minutes. Press mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a bowl; discard pulp and seeds., In a large pitcher, combine tea, raspberry syrup and lime juice. Refrigerate, covered, until cold.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 63 calories, Fat 0 fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 0 sodium, Carbohydrate 16g carbohydrate (15g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 0 protein.

SMOOTH SWEET TEA



Smooth Sweet Tea image

A pinch of baking soda eliminates bitterness in this smooth and easy-to-sip tea and it has just the right amount of sugar so it's not overly sweet. -kelseylouise, Taste of Home Community Member

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 15m

Yield 7 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 5

2 cups water
6 black tea bags
1/8 teaspoon baking soda
2/3 cup sugar
6 cups cold water

Steps:

  • In a small saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Remove from the heat; add tea bags. Cover and steep for 10 minutes. Discard tea bags., Sprinkle baking soda into a 2-qt. pitcher. Transfer tea to pitcher; stir in sugar. Add cold water. Refrigerate until chilled.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 76 calories, Fat 0 fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 29mg sodium, Carbohydrate 20g carbohydrate (19g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 0 protein.

SWEET TEA



Sweet Tea image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     beverage

Time 15m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

3 quarts cold water
4 pitcher-size cold brew tea bags
Sugar Mixture, recipe follows
Lemon slices, for garnish
Mint sprigs, for garnish
1 cup water
3/4 cup sugar

Steps:

  • Bring the water to a boil. Remove from heat, pour into a pitcher, and steep the tea bags about 5 minutes. Mix the sugar mixture into the iced tea. Mix well.
  • Pour the drink mix over ice cubes in a glass. Garnish with 2 slices of lemon and a sprig of mint.
  • Bring 1 cup of water to a boil and add sugar. Stir to combine.

SWEET ICED PEACH TEA



Sweet Iced Peach Tea image

This is a refreshing fruit tea. I brew the tea in in my 3 quart Mr Coffee Iced Tea Pot. Other fruits or juices can be used too. It will probably be good as a hot tea as well.

Provided by AuntWoofieWoof

Categories     Beverages

Time 15m

Yield 3 quarts, 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 4

2 quarts brewed tea
1 (15 ounce) can cling peaches in juice
1 (15 ounce) can water
1/4 cup sugar (optional)

Steps:

  • Make the tea in a 3 or 4 quart pitcher (or iced tea pot). Set aside.
  • Pour peaches and water into a blender.
  • Blend on high speed until well blended.
  • Add sugar and blend for a few more seconds.
  • Add more water until there is 1 quart.
  • Blend for a few seconds-- pulse.
  • Pour this mixture into the pitcher of tea and stir until well mixed.
  • Chill before serving.
  • Serve over ice or warm up for a hot drink.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 50.5, Sodium 62.4, Carbohydrate 14, Fiber 0.9, Sugar 7.3, Protein 0.5

MINT SWEET ICED TEA



Mint Sweet Iced Tea image

All the mint sweet tea recipes I've come across call for fresh mint, and that can be tough to find sometimes without breaking the bank. I've come by this recipe after quite a bit of experimentation, and the great part is that it can be made just about anywhere, as long as you have the ability to cool the tea back down after brewing!

Provided by mithbarazak

Categories     Beverages

Time 10m

Yield 1 quart, 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 5

4 cups water
1/2 cup sugar
2 green tea bags
1 peppermint tea bag
ice

Steps:

  • Combine the sugar and water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring until sugar is dissolved.
  • Turn off heat and add tea bags, steeping to desired strength (for me, 3-5 minutes).
  • Remove tea bags and add ice until cool.
  • Serve in a tall glass over ice!

SWEET TEA



Sweet Tea image

This sweet tea toes the line between just right and puckery sweet. The formula reflects the way my grandmother Leona Johnson made sweet tea: strong tea, lots of lemon juice and even more sugar. Start by adding half a cup of sugar to the batch, then add up to 4 more tablespoons to your preference. By making it extra potent, tart and sweet, this brew still tastes good even after the ice starts to melt.

Provided by Vallery Lomas

Categories     non-alcoholic drinks

Time 15m

Yield About 8 cups

Number Of Ingredients 5

8 black tea bags, preferably Lipton
1/2 cup granulated sugar, preferably pure cane, plus more to taste
6 tablespoons lemon juice (from about 2 lemons)
Ice cubes, for chilling and serving
Lemon slices, for garnish (optional)

Steps:

  • In a tea kettle or medium saucepan, heat 4 cups water until boiling. Remove from the heat and add the tea bags. Allow the tea to steep for 5 minutes. Gently squeeze the bags to release their concentrated tea, then discard the bags. Transfer the tea to a pitcher.
  • Stir 1/2 cup sugar into the hot tea until it has dissolved. Stir in the lemon juice. Add 4 cups water, then fill the pitcher with 2 cups ice.
  • Taste the tea to determine if you'd like to add up to 4 tablespoons more sugar. If adding sugar, stir until it dissolves.
  • Cover and refrigerate until the sweet tea is chilled throughout or up to 2 days. Serve in a large glass filled with ice, and garnish with a lemon slice if you'd like.

COPYCAT SWEET ICED TEA



Copycat Sweet Iced Tea image

Ultra-refreshing tea just like Chick fil-A® makes!

Provided by SB

Categories     Drinks Recipes     Tea     Iced Tea Recipes

Time 15m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 5

4 cups boiling water
2 family size teabags family-sized iced tea bags
6 cups cold water
¾ cup white sugar, or to taste
4 cups ice cubes, or as needed

Steps:

  • Combine boiling water, tea bags, and sugar in a bowl. Stir well, cover, and steep for 8 minutes.
  • Pour cold water into a pitcher. Add hot tea and stir.
  • Fill 4 glasses with ice cubes. Pour tea over top and serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 145.1 calories, Carbohydrate 37.5 g, Sodium 24.3 mg, Sugar 37.5 g

Tips:

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh tea leaves or tea bags for the best flavor. Fresh lemons and oranges will also give your sweet tea a brighter, more vibrant taste.
  • Steep the Tea Properly: The steeping time will vary depending on the type of tea you are using. However, generally, you should steep black tea for 3-5 minutes and green tea for 1-2 minutes. Over-steeping the tea can make it bitter.
  • Sweeten to Taste: The amount of sugar you add to your sweet tea is a matter of personal preference. Start with a small amount and add more to taste. You can also use other sweeteners, such as honey, agave nectar, or stevia.
  • Chill Before Serving: Sweet tea is best served chilled. You can either chill it in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight, or you can make it ahead of time and freeze it in ice cube trays. To serve, simply add the frozen sweet tea cubes to a glass of water.
  • Garnish with Fresh Herbs or Fruit: For a refreshing twist, garnish your sweet tea with fresh herbs, such as mint or basil, or slices of fruit, such as lemons, oranges, or berries.

Conclusion:

Sweet tea is a refreshing and delicious beverage that is perfect for any occasion. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can make a delicious batch of sweet tea in no time. So next time you're looking for a thirst-quenching drink, give sweet tea a try.

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