Sweet Tea
Ingredients
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- 16 cups water
- 8 bags black tea bags
- 1 cups granulated sugar
- ice – for serving
- lemon wedges – for serving
Instructions
1. Bring 4 cups of the water to a rolling boil in a saucepan over medium-high heat, 6–8 minutes.
2. Remove from heat, add the tea bags, cover, and steep until deep amber and aromatic, 5 minutes (up to 7 minutes for a stronger brew). Discard the tea bags without squeezing to avoid bitterness.
3. Add the sugar to the hot tea and stir until fully dissolved, 1–2 minutes.
4. Pour the sweetened tea into a 1-gallon pitcher, then add the remaining 12 cups cold water. Stir to combine.
5. Let the tea cool at room temperature for 20–30 minutes, then refrigerate until thoroughly chilled, 1–2 hours, or until cold to the touch.
6. Serve over ice with lemon wedges, if desired.
Sweet tea is a chilled, sweetened black tea with a clean, brisk finish and a honeyed edge. It pours a clear amber and drinks refreshing and smooth, especially over a tall glass of ice. The balance is simple but specific: robust tea body mellowed by sugar, meant to be thirst-quenching in hot weather.
Rooted in the American South, sweet tea grew from the broader rise of iced tea in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The practice of sweetening the brew while hot became a Southern hallmark, ensuring the sugar dissolves completely and the tea stays clear. Over time, it evolved into a symbol of hospitality and everyday comfort, commonly served at gatherings, barbecues, and family tables across the region.