Sweet Tea Recipe

Brew strong black tea

Bring 2 cups (480 ml) of water to a rolling boil. Add 2 standard black tea bags (or 2 tablespoons loose-leaf black tea in an infuser). Steep for 5–6 minutes for a strong brew, then remove the tea bags or strain out the leaves.

Sweeten while hot

While the brewed tea is still hot, stir in 6 tablespoons granulated sugar until completely dissolved. Dissolving sugar while the tea is hot ensures a smooth, non-grainy sweet tea (this yields a level of sweetness comparable to a 16.5 oz bottle of sweet tea).

Adjust concentration

If the brewed-and-sweetened tea is stronger than you prefer, add up to 1/2 cup cold water to dilute to taste. Stir to combine and cool slightly.

Fill a 16–20 oz glass with about 1 cup of ice cubes. Pour the sweetened tea over the ice, leaving room if you add a lemon slice or mint. Garnish with a lemon slice and/or a mint sprig if desired. Serve immediately.

Makes approximately one 16.5 oz serving. If you prefer a colder, quicker chill, refrigerate the sweetened tea for 20–30 minutes before serving or serve over extra ice.