Cool off this Summer with a nice, big glass of this Perfect Southern Sweet Iced Tea!! Let me show you a simple trick to keep it from being bitter!
Perfect Southern Sweet Iced Tea
Sharing this recipe on the blog may seem very elementary to some of y’all. But I assure you, Southern Sweet Iced Tea is not something everyone knows how to make! Are you surprised?! I was too!
Growing up in the South, sweet tea might as well be in our blood. They don’t call it the house wine of the South for nothin’. About 18 years ago, I lived in the Midwest for a while. I didn’t realize people there (for the most part), drink unsweetened iced tea. I actually had to wonder how THAT was even a thing.
The first time I tried to order sweet tea in a restaurant, they looked at me funny and offered me unsweetened tea with some sugar packets on the side. Ummmm, no! It is NOT the same. That conversation kinda reminds me of the monopoly money meme ….
I have to admit, I love sweet iced tea on a hot day. Or any day for that matter!?
Now that we’ve entered the part of the year where every day is just so hot and there is no relief in sight until late September or October ….. that means a lot of sweet iced tea at our house!
So I know you are asking me what is this “secret ingredient” … it’s baking soda!! Yes, really! If there is any bitterness in the tea, the baking soda counteracts it! No more bitter tea – EVER! ? It’s quick and easy to make a pitcher.
Recipe for Southern Sweet Tea
- regular size black tea bags
- boiling water
- sugar
- cold water
- baking soda
- Ice
- Lemon and/or mint sprigs, for garnish (if desired)
How to make homemade Southern Sweet Tea
- Place tea bags in the boiling water. Cover and steep for 10 minutes. Remove the tea bags and discard them.
- Stir in the sugar until dissolved. Add the cold water and baking soda. Mix well. Pour over ice and refrigerate until cold.
- Serve with lemon slices and/or mint sprigs, if desired.
Southern Sweet Tea FAQ’s
If you have questions about making Southern Sweet Tea, I have answers! Take a look at this section before leaving a comment if you run into any problems or if you just want some suggestions.
- Can I use brown sugar in place of the granulated sugar?
While I am sure you *could* – I would save it for something else.
- Can I make sweet tea KETO-friendly?
You sure can! Substitute your choice of keto-friendly sweetener for the sugar equivalent (you may need to read the package to determine the correct amount).
- What is the best brand of black tea bags to use?
Whatever kind you like! I am a little partial to Lipton, but any brand will work just fine!
How did you like this recipe
This is the perfect recipe for a warm summer day, don’t you think? Comment down below with your sweet tea experience, or feel free to ask me any questions if you are having trouble. Y’all know I am more than happy to help!
Other recipes you may enjoy
- Copycat Sonic Ocean Water
- Strawberry Daiquiri – with a Virgin Option!
- Lemon Berry Fruit Slush
- Perfect Lemonade
- Strawberry Agua Fresca
Perfect Southern Sweet Iced Tea {Never Bitter}
Equipment
Ingredients
- 6 – 8 regular size black tea bags
- 2 cups boiling water
- ½ – 1 cup sugar or to taste (I use about 1/2 to 3/4 cup)
- 6 cups cold water
- Pinch of baking soda
- Ice
- Lemon and/or mint sprigs for garnish (if desired)
Instructions
- Place tea bags in the boiling water. Cover and steep for 10 minutes. Remove the tea bags and discard them.
- Stir in the sugar until dissolved. Add the cold water and baking soda. Mix well. Pour over ice and refrigerate until cold.
- Serve with lemon slices and/or mint sprigs, if desired.
Notes
- I’m partial to Lipton tea bags but use your favorite!
Nutrition
Please note that the nutritional information listed on this page is an estimation based on the products I used. Ingredients and nutritional information can vary significantly between brands. Always be sure to read labels. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Nutrition info may contain errors, so please verify it independently. Likewise, recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them.
Originally published on June 4, 2014. Updated on July 6, 2020.
Such a perfect summer drink! I will be making this for sure. Pinned!!!
It really is! Thanks so much for pinning, Rina! 🙂
Thank you for this recipe!! I will definitely give this Sweet Tea a try this summer! Blessings, Catherine
I am a southern girl and love my sweet tea. I make it, but have never added any baking soda. What do you put it in there for?
Just curious.
If there is any bitterness in the tea, the baking soda counteracts it! 🙂
me too…Wondering why?
it stops it from getting bitter and cloudy
Looks very refreshing, Jamie ! Pinned 🙂
Thank you, Linda! 🙂
I'm a Pacific Northwest girl and like my tea unsweetened. But I'm pinning this to try it. And because your pictures are gorgeous! Thank you! Oh, and I saw your link on the Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop. 🙂
Thanks so much for stoping by and the awesome comment, Lila! 🙂
I live in Texas and of course we do the sweet tea in my house but I have never heard of adding baking soda……can I ask why add baking soda?
If there is any bitterness in the tea, the baking soda counteracts it! 🙂
Baking soda! What an interesting idea! Both my hubby and I were weaned on sweet tea and it is so refreshing to hear someone else that agrees that unsweetened tea with sugar packets is not the same thing. I get so many weird looks at restaurants for that! Right now I’m at work drinking on a huge glass of blackberry spiced ice tea that I just made. Makes the day go by better!
Sugar packets don't work for me lol. That blackberry spiced ice tea sounds delicious!
I brew mine through the coffee pot with no filter. I also wait til it cools to room temperature to add the cold water. I find that it makes for a better more steeped flavor.
I love sweet tea… but southern sweet is too much for me.. I actually love when tea comes with the sugar syrup on the side and I can add just the right amount for me! This looks good though and perfect for summer. Oh and what is your pinterest pop up? Is it Ahalogy?
Texas girl here. Although I gave up sugar in my tea eons ago, I combat the bitterness two ways. First don't place bags in boiling water! Tea leaf is uber sensitive and boiling water will tear them up and release bitterness. I heat my water until almost boiling then turn off the heat. I put in the tea bags in to steep. You have to let that cool completely before dumping it into cold water! Ever had cloudy tea? Gross! The other trick is to NOT squeeze the bags when removing from steep. That is the biggest mistake of all!
Texas girl here. Although I gave up sugar in my tea eons ago, I combat the bitterness two ways. First don't place bags in boiling water! Tea leaf is uber sensitive and boiling water will tear them up and release bitterness. I heat my water until almost boiling then turn off the heat. I put in the tea bags in to steep. You have to let that cool completely before dumping it into cold water! Ever had cloudy tea? Gross! The other trick is to NOT squeeze the bags when removing from steep. That is the biggest mistake of all!
I love this recipe! I live in Colorado and the closest thing we get to sweet tea is ordering it at Chick Fil A! Haha! There is definitely a difference using simple syrup vs. sugar or sweetener. I can't wait to make this…Pinned!
I've made sweet tea this way many a time and there really is nothing like it 🙂 Thanks for sharing — adding to pinterest! {here via Whimsy Wednesday}
I'm going to try this with family size bags. I remember my Grandpa always putting a pinch of baking soda in his too. Making this tonight. This Southern Redneck loves her tea!
HI Jamie, thanks for sharing your refreshing 'perfect' Southern Sweet Iced Tea with Foodie Friends Friday party this week. I love iced tea (and iced coffee too). I've pinned and shared.
Hope we see you again next week,
Joanne
Great tip with the baking soda! I've never heard that. I do love me some good iced tea! Thanks for sharing at my Creative Ways Link Party! Hope to see you again this week!
Blessings,
Nici
My hubby makes his tea like this but he doesn't add baking soda. What does the baking soda do?
The baking soda reacts and takes the bitterness away.
Thanks for the recipe with shared it with our fans in honor of National Iced Tea Day!
I may be the only southern girl who drinks unsweetened tea (which I drink like water!). But I do agree that sugar packets do not make sweet tea. They just make sugary sludge at the bottom of glass.
My husband loves sweet tea–will have to try the baking soda trick on a batch for him.
Thanks for linking, Jamie!
I love sweet tea!
Not a southern gal Jamie, but I know sweet tea is THE drink to have!! This looks so refreshing – thanks for joining us at BOTW!! Pinned!
Do you boil the tea bags for ten minutes – or turn off the heat and steep the bags in the super hot water for 10 minutes. I worry about 10 minutes of boiling – that seems pretty drastic. (but I'm not southern, so I probably don't know…..)
Hi Kate! Thanks so much for your question. Bring the water to a boil, then remove from the heat. Steep the tea bags in the boiled water right after it comes off the heat! I hope that clarifies the instructions! 🙂
Awesome recipe, Jamie! My kids LOVED this
This looks Incredibly delicious. I have to make this soon for my family!
I love this tea. It is my favorite. The baking soda does work. It also works really well if you have bitter spaghetti sauce. Same concept.
I made this right away and I had to keep making it knowing my boo would want more, thanks girl
NOW THIS IS “REAL SOUTHERN” SWEET TEA AT ITS BEST!! AND MANY THANKS FOR THE HINT ABOUT ADDING A PINCH OF BAKING SODA TO TAKE AWAY THE “BITTER TASTE” WE SOMETIMES GET!!!