Southern Sweet Iced Tea Recipe

Craving the authentic taste of the South? This Southern Sweet Iced Tea recipe, passed down from a North Carolina mountain deli, is quick, easy, and undeniably delicious! Get ready for the perfect refreshing beverage—sweet, strong, and perfectly chilled. This recipe is a family favorite, and it's about to become yours too!

Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 10 mins
Calories 58 kcal
Protein 0g
Rating Be the first
Southern Sweet Iced Tea 67

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Forktionary editorial kitchen team

The Forktionary Kitchen Team

Adapted from Food.com, then tested & standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Southern Sweet Iced Tea

  • Family Size Tea Bags
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (or to taste)
  • Hot Water

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How to Make Southern Sweet Iced Tea

  1. Heat 4 cups of water in a kettle or microwave until boiling.
  2. Place 6 family-size black tea bags (or equivalent loose leaf tea) in a heat-safe pitcher or large bowl.
  3. Pour the boiling water over the tea bags. Steep for 3 minutes, or until the desired strength is reached.
  4. Remove the tea bags.
  5. Add 1 cup of granulated sugar (or to taste) to the pitcher.
  6. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
  7. Add enough cold water to fill the pitcher to your desired amount.
  8. Stir gently to combine.
  9. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the tea to fully chill and the flavors to meld.
  10. Serve over ice and enjoy! For a stronger brew, steep the tea bags for a longer period or add more tea bags.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

0 g

Sugar

59g

Fat

0g

Carbs

5g

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make Southern Sweet Iced Tea?

Southern Sweet Iced Tea takes about 15 minutes from start to finish — roughly 5 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to cook.

How many calories are in Southern Sweet Iced Tea?

Southern Sweet Iced Tea has approximately 58 calories per serving, with about 0 g protein, 5 g carbohydrates and 0 g fat.

What ingredients do I need for Southern Sweet Iced Tea?

The key ingredients for Southern Sweet Iced Tea are Family Size Tea Bags, Sugar, Hot Water. See the full list with measurements above.

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