Nothing says welcome quite like a cold glass of sweet tea. This sweet tea recipe is a Southern favorite that’s as refreshing as it is nostalgic, ideal for entertaining a crowd or sharing with a neighbor on a warm day. With just five ingredients, this recipe is simple to prepare, easy to scale, and perfect for hosting with confidence.
Growing up in the South, I know that Southerners take their sweet tea seriously. It’s the perfect drink to serve at a bridal shower, Sunday supper, or casual gathering with friends. Whether you’re brewing up a batch of iced tea for a summer picnic or setting out pitchers of freshly brewed tea at a church luncheon, nothing feels more welcoming than a chilled glass of this smooth, sweet classic. If you’re planning to serve a variety of drinks, consider adding something fun like The Arnold Palmer Tea Recipe or the bright and fruity Signature Azalea Cocktail Recipe to your beverage bar for a little variety.
Before You Get Started
Ingredient Prep: Be sure to use a heat-safe glass pitcher and fresh tea bags for the best brewed tea results.
Baking Soda Tip: This secret ingredient smooths the flavor by neutralizing tea’s natural bitterness—just a pinch makes a big difference.
Avoid These Common Mistakes
Sugar Issues: Stir the sugar into the tea while it is still warm to ensure it fully dissolves.
Over-steeping: 10 minutes is plenty of time, too long and it turns bitter.
Cloudy Tea: Let the brewed tea cool a bit before refrigerating to avoid a murky color.
Ingredient Tips
Here’s a quick overview of the key ingredients for this recipe. For the full list of ingredients and exact measurements, be sure to check the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Baking soda: Smooths the tea’s flavor and cuts bitterness. Don’t skip this Southern staple.
- Boiling water: Best to use filtered water for the clearest, freshest tasting iced tea.
- Black tea bags: Traditional sweet tea base. Luzianne or Lipton are tried-and-true favorites.
- White sugar: Adds signature sweetness. Adjust to taste or substitute with honey or monk fruit.
- Cool water: Dilutes and cools the brewed tea. Use filtered water for the cleanest taste.
While baking soda improves the taste, it does not extend the shelf life or freshness of your sweet tea. A pinch of baking soda can make a big difference in a pitcher of freshly brewed sweet tea. It helps neutralize the tannins in black tea, resulting in a smoother, less bitter flavor. This trick also works with green tea. Just be sure to add only a tiny pinch to your mug while it steeps.
How To Make Southern Sweet Tea Recipe
Prep and Brew
Add a pinch of baking soda to a 64-ounce heat-proof glass pitcher.
In a heat-proof glass container, pour in 4 cups of boiling water and add two family-size black tea bags. Allow to steep for 10 minutes.
Add Sugar and Water
Remove tea bags and discard. Stir in ¾ cup of white sugar until fully dissolved.
Add four cups cool water to your serving pitcher.
Combine and Chill
Next, pour the warm brewed tea into the cool water in your serving pitcher. Stir and allow to chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving.
Serve over ice with a wedge of lemon or sprig of fresh mint.
Gina’s Recipe Tips and Variations
Flavor Enhancements: Add lemon slices, a splash of peach syrup, or fresh mint for subtle twists.
Ingredient Flexibility: Swap white sugar for honey, stevia, or a sugar-free blend.
Custom Brewing: Try a cold brew method by steeping your iced tea overnight in the fridge for an ultra-smooth flavor.
Storage Tips: Store in a glass pitcher with a lid or mason jars with lids to keep your sweet tea fresh and free from absorbing refrigerator odor like onions or fish.
Make-Ahead Option: Brew a day ahead, refrigerate, and stir before serving.
Hosting Tips For Serving Tea
Dress up your beverage station with lemon wedges, mint sprigs, and pitchers filled with crystal-clear Southern sweet tea. It’s a beautiful and simple way to extend hospitality with joy. For more ideas, you might love these Backyard Dinner Party Ideas that make entertaining feel effortless and fun. You might also like the Ultimate List of Party Punch Recipes, crowd-pleasing drinks perfect for showers and backyard gatherings. Also, try some Spring Mocktails for fresh, non-alcoholic options for your beverage bar!
Hosting Tip: Keep It Cool Without Watering It Down
Want to keep your sweet tea ice-cold without diluting the flavor? Freeze some of your brewed sweet tea in ice cube trays and use those cubes when serving. It’s a simple trick that keeps the tea tasting just right, even on hot days. Plus, it looks lovely in a glass pitcher or clear mason jars; your guests will notice the thoughtful detail!
How Much Sweet Tea to Serve at a Party
Hosting a party? Estimating how much tea to make can ease your prep and ensure every guest gets their fill. A good rule: 1 drink per person per hour of your event.
Here’s a handy guide to help you calculate based on cup sizes:
| Gallon | Cup Size | Cup Type | Approx. Servings per Gallon |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 gallon (128 oz) | 6 ounces | Small paper or china teacup | 20 servings |
| 1 gallon (128 oz) | 8 ounces | Medium paper cup or tea mug | 15–16 servings |
| 1 gallon (128 oz) | 10 ounces | Standard water glass or soda can | 12 servings |
| 1 gallon (128 oz) | 12 ounces | Tall glass | 9–10 servings |
FAQs About Sweet Tea
Yes, sweet tea can spoil more quickly than unsweetened tea due to its sugar content, which can promote bacterial growth. For optimal safety and flavor, it’s recommended to consume refrigerated sweet tea within 2–3 days. Always store sweet tea in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
Refrigerated sweet tea remains fresh for up to 3 days when stored in a sealed container. To ensure the best taste and safety, consume it within this timeframe. Food Safety News
Brewed tea should not be left at room temperature for more than 8 hours. After this period, the risk of bacterial growth increases, making the tea unsafe to drink. It is advisable to refrigerate tea within one hour of brewing to maintain its safety and quality.
Yes, especially sweetened teas. Refrigeration slows bacterial growth, helping to maintain the tea’s flavor and safety. Always store brewed tea in the refrigerator and consume it within a few days.
Brewed tea can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the best flavor and safety, it’s recommended to consume it within 24 hours. Always use a clean, airtight container for storage.
Storage Instructions
Storage: Store refrigerated in a covered glass container and enjoy your sweet tea within 3 days for best flavor.
Freezing: Freeze tea in ice cube trays or freezer containers (leave space for expansion). Perfect if you need to prep for a big party.
Reheating: Best enjoyed cold, but you can gently warm individual servings for a warm cup of tea.
Biblical Hospitality Reflection
“Hospitality is not about having the perfect home, but about making others feel perfectly loved.” — Intentional Hospitality
In the South, few things extend a warmer welcome than a glass of smooth, sweet tea offered on a hot day. This simple, refreshing drink is more than a tradition; it is an invitation to slow down, savor conversation, and share life with others. Just as a glass of sweet tea soothes and refreshes, the hospitality of Christ invites all to find rest and joy in His presence.
Hostessing Tips for Sweet Tea Gatherings
- Hospitality as Ministry: Pray for your guests as you prepare your tea, asking God to refresh their hearts as much as their thirst.
- Setting a Welcoming Atmosphere: Create a cozy corner with rocking chairs, mason jars of tea, and fresh flowers for guests to enjoy simple, restful fellowship.
- Fellowship Over Perfection: A slightly cloudy pitcher or a few melting ice cubes won’t matter when laughter and grace fill the space.
Do you have a question about the recipe? Feel free to ask in the comments below. I’m here to help!
Smooth Southern Sweet Tea Recipe
Note: Be sure to read through the recipe’s post for tips and details about this recipe.
You can add any recipe from Intentional Hospitality to your shopping list to plan a full menu!
Ingredients
- 1 pinch baking soda
- 4 cups boiling water, use filtered water for the best taste
- 2 family-size black tea bags, such as Luzianne or Lipton
- ¾ cup white sugar, adjust to taste; substitute with honey or monk fruit if desired
- 4 cups cool water, use filtered water for a clean, crisp flavor
- Ice, for serving
- Lemon wedges or fresh mint, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Prep and Brew
- Add a pinch of baking soda to a 64-ounce heat-proof glass pitcher.1 pinch baking soda
- In a separate heat-proof glass container, pour in 4 cups of boiling water.4 cups boiling water
- Add 2 family-size black tea bags to the boiling water and steep for 10 minutes.2 family-size black tea bags
Add Sugar and Water
- Remove and discard the tea bags.
- Stir ¾ cup of white sugar into the hot tea until fully dissolved.¾ cup white sugar
- In your serving pitcher, add 4 cups of cool water.4 cups cool water
- Pour the sweetened tea into the pitcher with the cool water.
- Stir well to combine.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until fully chilled.
Serve
- Serve the sweet tea over ice.Ice
- Garnish with a wedge of lemon or a sprig of fresh mint, if desired.Lemon wedges or fresh mint
Thank you so much for the helpful knowledge about how long tea can be left out. I never thought that tea can cause such nasty symptoms if drank after being left out overnight. This article saved me from misery.
Dawn, I noticed our tea got sour tasting if left out more than 24 hours. Then if it was a warm and humid time of the year the tea started getting white spots on top of the surface after 48 hours. That is what got me thinking, should I stick this in the fridge?
l like this recipe. First time I’ve come across a recipe for sweet southern iced tea. I just made a gallon my way, Sunday I will make this recipe. Thanks
James, There’s nothing quite like a cold glass of southern sweet tea. I’d enjoy hearing what you think after trying this version on Sunday! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment.