Sweet tea is a hallmark of Southern hospitality, and everyone seems to have their own “perfect” version. While we don’t live in the south, we still enjoy this delicious summertime beverage that my husband’s uncle enjoyed all the time. When he came to visit many decades ago, he always introduced us to a new Southern staple.
So, this one is ours—a simple, smooth, and refreshing glass of comfort. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or just enjoying a quiet moment on the porch, this sweet tea hits the spot every time.
There’s nothing quite like a tall glass of iced tea on a hot summer day, especially when it’s made the Southern way. It’s more than just a drink—it’s a cherished tradition passed down through family gatherings and lazy afternoons on the porch in the Southern United States.
Why Add Baking Soda to Sweet Tea?
Today, I’m sharing a version of the traditional sweet tea that includes a little secret to enhance flavor and smoothness: a pinch of baking soda.
If you’ve never heard of adding baking soda to tea concentrate or a fresh batch of hot tea, you’re not alone! Just a tiny pinch (about ⅛ teaspoon) added during steeping helps soften the tannins in the tea leaves, preventing that slightly bitter or astringent taste.
This small addition helps neutralize the tannins in black tea, reducing bitterness and creating a robust flavor that keeps your taste buds happy. This trick has been quietly used in Southern kitchens for generations, and once you try it, you might never go back.
It’s a simple step that improves the flavor profile of your sweet iced tea every time.
Secret to the Best Southern Sweet Tea Recipe
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Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
- 4 Family Size Black Tea Bags or 12 regular tea bags
- 1½ to 2 Cups Granulated Sugar adjust the amount of sugar to your personal taste
- ⅛ Teaspoon Baking Soda
- 16 Cups Water divided (4 cups boiling water + 12 cups cold water)
- Ice cubes lemon slices, and mint leaves for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Boil the water. In a medium saucepan or kettle, bring 4 cups of boiling water to a boil.16 Cups Water
- Steep the tea. Remove from heat, add the tea bags and sprinkle in the baking soda. Cover and let steep for 10 minutes to make a strong iced tea concentrate.4 Family Size Black Tea Bags, ⅛ Teaspoon Baking Soda
- Sweeten it. Remove the tea bags and pour the hot concentrate into a large pitcher. Stir in the sugar until fully dissolved, creating a rich sweet tea syrup.1½ to 2 Cups Granulated Sugar
- Add cold water. Stir in the remaining cold water.
- Chill and serve. Let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until cold. Serve over ice with a slice of lemon and fresh mint leaves if desired.Ice cubes
Your Own Private Notes
Nutrition
Sweet Tea Concentrate Recipe
For an even easier way to enjoy sweet tea concentrate anytime:
- Use 3 family size black tea bags (or 9 regular)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 pinch (⅛ teaspoon) baking soda
- 2 cups boiling water
Steep tea bags with baking soda for 10 minutes, remove bags, stir in sugar until dissolved, then cool. Store in a mason jar or glass jar in the refrigerator up to 7 days.
How to Use Sweet Tea Concentrate
- For a single glass: Mix ¼ cup of concentrate with ¾ cup cold water and ice cubes. Add a gentle squeeze of lemon juice or a few mint leaves.
- For a small pitcher (4 servings): Combine 1 cup concentrate with 3 cups cold water and ice.
- Adjust ratios for water, concentrate and sugar for your taste preferences.
What’s the difference between iced tea and sweet tea?
All sweet tea is iced tea, but not all iced tea is sweet. Iced tea simply refers to the beverage being chilled and served cold. Whereas sweet tea is sweetened while still warm to dissolve sugar completely, producing the signature smooth sweetness.
How much sugar is in sweet tea?
This recipe uses about 1½ to 2 cups of sugar per 8 cups of water, roughly 3–4 tablespoons per 8-ounce glass. You can always adjust the amount of sugar to your liking.
What’s the best sugar substitute for sweet tea?
Try natural alternatives like Stevia, monk fruit sweetener, or erythritol. These dissolve well in warm tea and provide sweetness without the sugar crash. Check conversion ratios since they’re sweeter than sugar.
Can I use decaf tea to make sweet tea?
Yes! The decaffeinated black varieties work well and is a great choice if you’re sensitive to caffeine or want to enjoy it later in the day.
How long does homemade sweet tea last?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, concentrate or freshly brewed tea stays fresh for about 5 to 7 days. Stir gently before serving.
Can I flavor sweet tea with fruit or herbs?
Absolutely! Add fresh fruits like peach slices, berries, or fresh lemons, or herbs like mint leaves or basil. Add these after steeping to avoid bitterness.
A True Southern Staple
This traditional recipe is a hallmark of hospitality and the best sweet tea recipe for keeping cool on a hot day.
Whether you’re making a gallon of iced tea for family gatherings or just a refreshing glass for yourself, this recipe with a pinch of baking soda guarantees a smooth, flavorful sip every time.
delicious and refreshing. so budget-friendly making this at home.