What is the secret ingredient in Southern sweet tea?

There is no actual "secret ingredient" in a traditional Southern sweet tea recipe! It simply comes down to using a good ratio of simple ingredients: basic black tea bags, hot water, and plenty of granulated sugar to get that classic sweet flavor.

Do I need to boil the tea on the stove?

No, you do not necessarily need to boil the tea on the stove. You can easily make a no-boil sweet tea by using very hot tap water in a gallon pitcher and letting your single black tea bags steep for 30 minutes to an hour.

Should I add baking soda to my sweet tea?

While some people claim adding a pinch of baking soda cuts the bitterness of the tea, many traditional Southerners consider this a myth. If you steep your tea properly and use the right amount of sugar, your sweet tea shouldn't be bitter at all.

How long does homemade sweet tea last in the fridge?

Southern sweet tea is usually best enjoyed within 2 to 3 days of making it. In fact, many people say it tastes best on the second day! If you notice the tea has become cloudy, it is no longer fresh and it is time to brew a new batch.

The Best 3-Ingredient Southern Sweet Tea Recipe

Southern Sweet Tea Recipe

Print Recipe

Author: Maya
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 1 Gallon

Ingredients

2 cups granulated sugar
1 gallon hot water (hot tap water is fine)
10 single black tea bags (Lipton, Luzianne, or store brand)
Ice (for serving)
Fresh lemon slices or mint (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

In a clean, one-gallon glass pitcher, add the two cups of granulated sugar.
Fill the pitcher almost to the top with hot water.
Place the 10 single black tea bags directly into the hot water.
Allow the tea to steep for 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on your preferred strength.
Carefully remove the tea bags, giving them a gentle squeeze to release excess liquid before discarding them.
Using a long slotted spoon, stir the tea vigorously until all the sugar at the bottom is completely dissolved.
Refrigerate the pitcher overnight (or until completely cold). Serve in a mason jar filled to the brim with ice!

Notes

Storage: Best enjoyed within 2-3 days. If the tea becomes cloudy, discard it.
Less Sweet Option: If you plan to drink this cold directly from the fridge without ice, reduce the sugar to 1 ½ cups.

Find it online: https://www.endrecipes.com/southern-sweet-tea-recipe/