How to Make Southern Sweet Tea: The Complete Guide

Southern sweet tea is brewed strong, sweetened while still hot, then chilled over ice. Unlike regular iced tea, which is sweetened (if at all) after brewing, sweet tea gets its signature flavor from dissolving sugar into the hot concentrate. Here's how to make it at home with just a few ingredients.

What Is Sweet Tea?

Sweet tea is traditionally made with black tea, sweetened with sugar or a simple syrup while the tea is still hot, then diluted with cold water and served over ice. It's closely associated with the southern United States, where it's a staple at picnics, barbecues and restaurant tables, though variations exist in other cultures too.

Some people find the traditional level of sweetness intense; others can't imagine sweet tea any other way. The good news is that you control the sugar, so you can dial it up or down to taste.

How to Make Sweet Tea

Ingredients (makes about a quart, 3–4 glasses):

• 4–6 teaspoons (about 20g) loose black tea, or 4–5 black tea bags
• 1 quart water
• 1–2 tablespoons brown sugar or simple syrup (more or less to taste)
• Ice cubes

Steps:

1. Bring the water to a boil in a kettle or saucepan.
2. Add the tea (in a filter or infuser, or loose in the pot) and let it steep for about 5 minutes. A flavored black tea, like a vanilla or fruit-infused blend, works especially well here.
3. Remove the tea leaves or bag, then stir in the sugar or syrup while the tea is still hot so it dissolves completely.
4. Let the tea cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for about 20 minutes.
5. Serve over plenty of ice.

Tips

• Any black tea works, from a basic breakfast blend to a vanilla or fruit-infused black tea.
• Serve immediately over ice, or chill for a few hours first for a more concentrated, refreshing glass.
• Try flavoring with peach, strawberry or raspberry syrup for a fruitier variation.
• Adjust sugar to taste, remembering it's easier to add more than to take it out.

Sweet Tea vs. Iced Tea: What's the Difference?

The two drinks are more alike than different, and the split is mostly regional. In the South, tea is typically sweetened with sugar while it's brewed. Further north, iced tea is often served unsweetened, with sugar added at the table if at all. Both are served cold, usually over ice.

Sweet tea in the U.S. dates back at least to the 19th century, when a recipe for it appeared in a Southern cookbook. It's traditionally made with black tea, though some cooks swap in green tea, herbal tea, or a fruit-infused black tea for a different twist.

Sweet tea is part of why tea is so popular in America, at least in the South.

FAQ

Can I make sweet tea with green tea instead of black tea?

Yes, though it's less traditional. Green tea makes a lighter, more delicate sweet tea; steep it for less time (2–3 minutes) to avoid bitterness.

How long does sweet tea keep in the fridge?

Homemade sweet tea is best within a few days. For more detail on storage, see our guide on how long iced tea lasts in the fridge.

Why is my sweet tea cloudy or bitter?

Cloudiness usually comes from over-steeping or brewing at too high a temperature; bitterness is almost always from steeping too long. Stick to 5 minutes for black tea.

The Bottom Line

Sweet tea is a simple, three-ingredient drink: black tea, sugar and water, sweetened while hot and served ice-cold. Adjust the sweetness and add a fruit syrup to make it your own, and it's ready to enjoy in about 30 minutes. For more on iced tea styles, check out our guide to Thai iced tea or learn what makes iced tea different from hot tea.