Southern Iced Tea

This refreshing Southern Iced Tea recipe is perfect for getting that Southern sweet tea fix! This classic beverage, known for its smooth and sweet flavor, is a staple in many households. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon, a pitcher of homemade Southern iced tea is sure to delight you.

Southern Iced Tea feature image 2022.

As you can tell from my Strawberry Iced teaSorrel, Ginger iced tea, and Blueberry Lemonade Recipe posts, I love iced tea. I don’t drink enough water, so I use tea as an alternative to getting some flavored water in my system.

Some of the Ingredients You’ll Need

Water: You will need boiling water and chilled water.

Loose black tea: Don’t use Lipton to make Southern tea, it’s not strong enough. Try to use Indian black tea, it is strong and perfect when cold-brewed or used with boiling water. Indian tea also has a hint of sweetness.

Sugar: I have used raw sugar. Hence the color of the tea shown in the images and the video is a little darker than your usual sweet tea.

Lemon or lime juice: You can omit the lemon juice, but it makes this tea super refreshing.

Southern iced tea served with a slice of lemon.

How to Make Southern Iced Tea

The full instructions and a video are in the recipe card below, but let’s look at the main steps.

Step 1

Add sugar, tea, and boiling water to a bowl and mix it well. Let it steep for 6 minutes.

Adding tea to boiling water.
Adding sugar to tea.

Step 2

Strain the mixture. Discard the black tea leaves and pour the tea into the pitcher.

Straining tea into a pitcher.

Step 3

To the pitcher, add the chilled water and lemon juice. Mix and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.

Pouring cold water to the pitcher.
Pouring lemon juice in the tea pitcher.

Step 4

Pour the tea into a mason jar or a glass of ice and serve.

Pouring southern iced tea in a mason jar.

Tips for the Perfect Southern Sweet Tea

  • Adjusting Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet tea, start with a smaller amount of sugar and increase to taste. Alternatively, consider using simple syrup, which blends seamlessly and allows for easy customization per glass.
  • Cold Brew Method: For a smoother, less acidic flavor, try cold brewing. Combine the tea and cold water in a pitcher, refrigerate for 8-12 hours, then strain and sweeten as desired.
  • Choosing the Right Tea: High-quality black teas, such as those from India or specific blends designed for iced tea, often yield the best results. Their robust flavors stand up well to chilling and dilution.
Southern iced tea close up image 2022.

How to Serve Iced Tea

  • To enjoy your iced tea, serve it with a glass of ice.
  • You can also add slices of lemon for a more refreshing flavor.
  • I like to add mint leaves to my iced tea. First, wash the mint leaves and then lightly pound the leaves to release the oils. I add the mint leaves first, then the ice cubes, then slices of lemon, and finally pour the tea into the glass.

FAQ

What is Southern Iced Tea?

it’s a black tea that is brewed and chilled. It’s usually sweetened and sometimes very sweet, so it’s usually diluted in a large glass full of ice cubes.
Southern iced tea, or sweet tea as it’s sometimes called, is synonymous with cookouts, pool parties, patio parties, and all kinds of summer entertaining.

What Type of Tea Should I Use?

My favorite is Assam tea; it is strong and flavorful. Iced tea made with Assam black tea gains more body by the day.
I go for the brand’s SocietyTapal Danedar, and Red Label.

Storing The Iced Tea

1. Store in the Refrigerator

  • Pour the cooled iced tea into a glass pitcher or an airtight container.
  • Keep it in the refrigerator at or below 40°F (4°C).
  • Avoid metal containers (unless they’re stainless steel) since they can alter the tea’s flavor.

2. Consume Within 3-5 Days

  • For the best taste, drink your iced tea within 3 days.
  • It can last up to 5 days, but after that, the flavor may become dull or slightly bitter.

3. Keep It Covered

  • Seal the container tightly to prevent the tea from absorbing fridge odors.
  • If using a pitcher without a lid, cover it with plastic wrap.

4. Avoid Storing Tea with Lemon or Sweeteners

  • If you’ve added lemon juice or sugar, the tea may spoil faster.
  • Store plain tea separately and add lemon or sweetener right before serving.

5. Do Not Leave at Room Temperature for Too Long

  • After two hours, bacteria can start growing in brewed tea.
  • Always refrigerate promptly after cooling.

Bonus Tip: If you want to keep tea fresh longer, try making a cold brew version—it has a smoother taste and can last a bit longer in the fridge! 🍹

Southern iced tea feature image 2022.

Southern Iced Tea Recipe

Muna Kenny
Learn to make the perfect Southern iced tea with this classic recipe. Enjoy its smooth and sweet flavor on any occasion.
5 from 3 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Servings 7 people
Calories 198 kcal

Ingredients
 

  • cup fresh lime or lemon juice
  • 3 cups boiling water
  • 3 ½ cups cold water
  • ¼ cup loose black tea or 9 tea bags or 22gm
  • 1 ½ cup sugar, I used raw

Instructions
 

  • In a saucepan, add 3 cups of water and let it come to a boil. Once the water boils, remove it from heat. Over boiling the water will change its taste.
  • In a large bowl, add the boiling water, tea, and sugar. Mix to dissolve the sugar. Cover and keep aside for 5 to 6 minutes.
  • Strain the black tea leaves, or in case you are using tea bags, remove and discard them.
  • Pour the tea into a pitcher. Add the cold water and mix well. Add the lemon juice and mix.
  • Refrigerate for at least an hour. When serving, fill your glass with ice cubes then pour the iced tea.

Video

Notes

  • Adjusting Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet tea, start with a smaller amount of sugar and increase to taste. 
  • Cold Brew Method: For a smoother, less acidic flavor, try cold brewing. Combine the tea and cold water in a pitcher, refrigerate for 8-12 hours, then strain and sweeten as desired.
  • Choosing the Right Tea: High-quality black teas, such as those from India or specific blends designed for iced tea, often yield the best results. Their robust flavors stand up well to chilling and dilution.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 ServingCalories: 198kcalCarbohydrates: 51gProtein: 0.04gFat: 0.2gSaturated Fat: 0.004gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.003gSodium: 6mgPotassium: 13mgFiber: 0.03gSugar: 51gVitamin A: 1IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 0.04mg
Keyword iced tea, southern iced tea
Tried this recipe?Let us know in the comment section below!

16 Comments

  1. We love our sweet tea here in the south! I could sure go for a glass of this right now. It sounds so refreshing!

  2. Growing up, I always drink HOT tea…as HOT as possible. So, still not used to iced tea…but this looks really refreshing!

  3. As a southerner myself, I totally appreciate a good glass of iced tea! This one sounds amazing, and I like the little lime juice twist you added into here. It’s almost sweet tea season… 🙂

  4. This looks like the perfect iced tea! Looks absolutely delicious!

  5. How refreshing! A lovely glass of iced tea like this is welcome at my home!

  6. 5 stars
    You got it perfect for my taste! Now I got it! I tried it tonight and it hits the spot. I’ve never made consistent iced tea and now I can. Thank you!

    1. Hi Akil! Thanks for your comment, I’m happy that you’ve enjoyed My Iced Tea Recipe 🙂

5 from 3 votes (1 rating without comment)

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