Non-Alcoholic Southern Sweet Tea 

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PREP TIME 10 min

Cocktail Type

Non-Alcoholic

Great for

Autumn

Difficulty

Easy

A tray of Sweet Tea on a silver tray in a pretty daytime outdoor setting

Southern Sweet Tea is a classic non-alcoholic iced tea that is deeply rooted in the South. While it’s a summer classic, you can easily whip up a gallon-sized jug for guests at Thanksgiving and during the holiday season. The best part? They can just help themselves.

This recipe will yield approximately 16 glasses of Sweet Tea. If you’re expecting fewer people or an even bigger crowd, use our nifty recipe calculator below and adjust the quantities.

QUICK TIPS

01

Don’t over-boil the water, as this can lead to a flat-tasting tea. 

02

Use one tea bag or one teaspoon of loose tea leaves per 235 ml of water. 

03

Steep the tea for 3–5 minutes for moderate strength. If you want it stronger, steep it for a tad longer. Don’t overdo it, though, as the tea will become bitter. 

INGREDIENTS

MAKE FOR

16 Persons

3
Black tea bags
16
Cups of fresh water
1
Cup of granulated sugar
Lemon slices and fresh mint sprigs
Ice

INSTRUCTIONS

01

Bring 4 cups of the water to a boil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat

02

Remove from heat, add the tea bags and steep for 5 minutes 

03

Remove the tea bags and add 1 cup of granulated sugar to the tea, stirring until completely dissolved

04

Pour the tea base into a gallon pitcher. If using multiple pitchers, divide the tea evenly between them and top with water 

05

Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight 

06

Serve over ice with sliced lemon and fresh mint

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