Description
A refreshing and simple Southern-style sweet tea brewed with black tea, a homemade sugar syrup, and fresh lemon juice. This recipe offers a balanced sweetness and bright citrus flavor, perfect for hot days or relaxing weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8–10 black tea bags (such as Lipton Yellow Label)
- 1 gallon (3.78 liters) filtered water
- 1 cup (200 grams) granulated white sugar
- 2 cups (480ml) hot water (for syrup)
- 3 medium fresh lemons (yielding approx. ½ cup juice)
- Lemon slices for garnish
- Ice cubes (or frozen tea cubes)
- Fresh mint leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Make the sugar syrup: In a large pot, combine 2 cups of hot water and 1 cup of sugar. Heat over medium-high heat, stirring constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved (about 3-4 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes.
- Brew the tea: Boil the 1 gallon of water. Remove from heat and add the tea bags. Steep for 5-7 minutes. Remove the tea bags, squeezing them gently against the side of the pot to extract flavor without releasing bitterness.
- Combine: Pour the brewed tea into a large 1-gallon pitcher. Add the cooled sugar syrup and stir well to combine.
- Add lemon: Squeeze the juice from 3 fresh lemons (about ½ cup) into the pitcher and stir. For best flavor, let the mixture chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Serve: Stir the tea well before serving. Fill glasses with ice, pour the tea over the ice, and garnish with lemon slices and mint if desired.
Notes
Do not use bottled lemon juice as it affects the flavor negatively. For a less bitter tea, avoid over-steeping (keep to 5-7 minutes) and do not squeeze the tea bags too hard. You can freeze brewed tea into ice cubes to prevent dilution. The tea keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 ounces
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 23
- Sodium: 5
- Carbohydrates: 23
Keywords: Southern sweet tea, lemon tea, iced tea recipe, summer drinks, homemade sweet tea, refreshing beverages, gluten-free drinks, vegan drinks