How to Make the Perfect Sweet Iced Tea
This homemade sweet iced tea is smooth, refreshing, and perfectly balanced. It’s an easy, classic drink that’s perfect for warm days, cookouts, or anytime you’re craving a cold glass of sweet iced tea.
Ingredients
- 8 cups water (Divided)
- 6 individual bags of black tea
- ⅓ cup white granulated sugar* (Or to taste)
- ⅛ tsp baking soda (Optional)
- The juice of a lemon (Optional)
- Lemon slices for garnishing (Optional)
- Fresh mint leaves for garnishing (Optional)
Instructions
- Brew the tea. In a medium saucepan, bring half of the water to a boil. Remove the pan from the heat, add the black tea bags, and let them steep for 10 minutes. Remove and discard the tea bags.
- Sweeten the tea. While the tea is still hot, stir in the sugar until completely dissolved. Add the remaining water, baking soda, and lemon juice, then stir to combine.
- Chill and serve. Let the tea cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until thoroughly chilled. Serve over ice and garnish with lemon slices or fresh mint, if desired.
Notes
- *Use your favorite sweetener to make this recipe. Simple syrup, honey, agave nectar, or stevia can be used instead of granulated sugar.
- Don't oversteep the tea. Steeping the tea bags for longer than 10 minutes can make the tea bitter.
- Don't squeeze the tea bags. Gently remove and discard them without squeezing, as this can release extra tannins and make the tea taste bitter.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator. Keep the tea in a covered pitcher or airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Make it ahead. Sweet iced tea is even better when made a few hours in advance!
Nutritional values are approximate and calculated per serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 43kcal, Carbohydrates: 11g, Fat: 0.03g, Sodium: 39mg, Potassium: 0.2mg, Sugar: 11g, Calcium: 10mg, Iron: 0.01mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!