How to Make the Perfect Perfect Sweet Iced Tea
American · Easy · 15 min · 8 servings
This classic perfect sweet iced tea recipe delivers a smooth refreshing homemade iced tea with just the right balance of sweetness and bold black tea flavor. A staple Southern drink made with simple syrup and brewed black tea perfect for summer entertaining and backyard gatherings.
Why this recipe works
This Perfect Sweet Iced Tea recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 15 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 80 calories with 0g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 5 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 4 bags black tea bags
- 2 cups boiling water
- 6 cups cold water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup water for simple syrup
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Make Simple Syrup
Combine 1 cup granulated sugar and half cup water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until sugar fully dissolves about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 2: Brew the Tea
Place 4 black tea bags in a heat-safe pitcher and pour 2 cups of boiling water over them. Steep for 5 minutes then remove bags without squeezing to avoid bitterness.
Step 3: Combine and Chill
Add the cooled simple syrup to the brewed tea and stir well. Pour in 6 cups of cold water and stir to combine. Refrigerate until fully chilled before serving.
Step 4: Serve Over Ice
Fill tall glasses with ice and pour the sweet iced tea over the top. Garnish with a lemon slice or fresh mint sprig if desired.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- granulated sugar → honey or agave syrup for a natural sweetener alternative
- black tea bags → loose leaf black tea using 1 teaspoon per cup of water
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Squeezing the tea bags which releases bitter tannins into the tea
- Adding sweetener after chilling when it will not dissolve properly into cold liquid
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 80 calories, 0g protein, 21g carbs, 0g fat, 0g fiber.
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