Classic Southern Sweet Iced Tea
A cherished recipe passed down through generations, this Classic Southern Sweet Iced Tea is a staple of southern hospitality. With its deep amber color and tantalizing sweetness, it captures the essence of warm summer days spent on the porch. My Granny's recipe is not for the faint of heart – it boasts a generous amount of sugar that's perfect for cooling off after a long day of gardening or any outdoor activity. This delightful beverage is best served over ice, accompanied by the laughter of friends and family. Adjust the sweetness to your preference, but be warned: true southerners know that a glass of sweet tea is more than just a drink; it’s a way of life.
N/A
Servings
480
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Regular tea bags
6 (none)
Baking soda
1/8 teaspoon (none)
Boiling water
2 cups (boil)
Sugar
1 1/2 to 2 cups (none)
Cold water
6 cups (none)
Instructions
1
In a large glass measuring cup, place the six tea bags and sprinkle in the baking soda, which helps to enhance the tea's color.
2
Carefully pour the boiling water over the tea bags and ensure they are fully submerged.
3
Cover the measuring cup to keep the heat in and allow the tea to steep for 15 minutes.
4
After steeping, remove the tea bags without squeezing them to prevent bitterness.
5
Transfer the brewed tea into a 2-quart pitcher while discarding the tea bags.
6
Add one and a half to two cups of sugar to the warm tea, stirring well until fully dissolved. Taste and adjust the sweetness to your liking.
7
Pour in six cups of cold water to dilute and chill the tea.
8
Let the mixture cool to room temperature before transferring to the refrigerator to chill thoroughly.
9
Serve the chilled tea over ice in tall glasses and enjoy the refreshing taste of southern tradition.
Nutrition Information
57.5g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Classic Southern Sweet Iced Tea?
It is a cherished recipe passed down through generations, known for its deep amber color and tantalizing sweetness, serving as a staple of southern hospitality.
How many tea bags are needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires six regular tea bags.
Why is baking soda added to the tea?
A pinch of baking soda (1/8 teaspoon) is added to help enhance the tea's color and ensure it remains clear.
How much sugar is in this Southern Sweet Tea?
This recipe uses between 1.5 to 2 cups of sugar, containing approximately 57.5g of sugar per serving.
How long should the tea steep?
The tea should steep in boiling water for exactly 15 minutes.
Can I squeeze the tea bags after steeping?
No, you should remove the tea bags without squeezing them to prevent the tea from becoming bitter.
What is the calorie count for this beverage?
This sweet iced tea contains approximately 480 calories.
How much water is needed in total?
The recipe uses 2 cups of boiling water for steeping and 6 cups of cold water for dilution.
What size pitcher is recommended?
A 2-quart pitcher is the ideal size for transferring and storing the brewed tea.
Should the sugar be added to hot or cold tea?
The sugar should be added to the warm brewed tea and stirred well until it is fully dissolved.
Can the sweetness level be adjusted?
Yes, you can adjust the sugar between 1.5 and 2 cups based on your personal preference.
How should the tea be served?
It is best served chilled over ice in tall glasses, ideally enjoyed during warm weather.
What is the secret to the tea's clarity?
The secret is adding 1/8 teaspoon of baking soda to the boiling water before steeping.
Does this recipe contain any fat or protein?
No, according to the nutritional information, this recipe contains no fat or protein.
How do I prevent the tea from being bitter?
To avoid bitterness, do not squeeze the tea bags when removing them after the 15-minute steep.
Should I cover the tea while it steeps?
Yes, cover the measuring cup while steeping to keep the heat in.
What type of tea bags are best for this recipe?
Regular tea bags are recommended for that authentic Southern flavor.
Is it necessary to let the tea cool before refrigerating?
Yes, let the mixture cool to room temperature before transferring it to the refrigerator to chill thoroughly.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 5 ingredients: tea bags, baking soda, boiling water, sugar, and cold water.
What color should the final tea be?
The tea should have a deep amber color.
Is this a traditional recipe?
Yes, it is a traditional Granny's recipe that captures the essence of Southern tradition.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include iced tea, sweet tea, southern beverage, refreshing drinks, summer drinks, and traditional recipes.
Is baking soda an essential ingredient?
While optional in some recipes, it is essential here for enhancing color and preventing cloudiness.
Can I use this recipe for a summer party?
Yes, it is described as a perfect beverage for summer days and outdoor activities.
Is this tea very sweet?
Yes, it boasts a generous amount of sugar and is described as 'not for the faint of heart'.
How many cups of cold water are added?
Six cups of cold water are added to the pitcher after the sugar is dissolved.
What happens if I squeeze the tea bags?
Squeezing the bags releases tannins which can make the tea taste bitter.
How much boiling water is used?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of boiling water for the initial steeping process.
Is this recipe good for cooling off?
Yes, it is specifically noted as perfect for cooling off after gardening or any outdoor activity.
What is the preparation for the tea bags?
No special preparation is needed for the tea bags; they are used as-is.