Sweet Tea Recipe
Make Sweet Tea Recipe in just 2h 30m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
Was this page helpful?
Help improve this recipe for others.
Send this recipe to your inbox.
We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.
Ingredients
Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Tea Base
Sweetener
Finish & Serve
Method
Brew Tea
- 1
- 2
Steep tea
Remove the boiling water from heat and add 6 black tea bags. Cover the pot and steep for 5 to 8 minutes depending on desired strength (5 minutes for lighter, 8 minutes for strong traditional sweet tea).
- 3
Remove tea bags
After steeping, carefully remove and discard the tea bags, gently pressing each against the side of the pot with a spoon to extract remaining liquid but avoid squeezing too hard to prevent bitterness.
Make Simple Syrup
- 4
Warm water for sugar
While the tea is steeping (or immediately after removing tea bags), place 1 cup of hot water into a heatproof measuring cup or small saucepan.
- 5
Dissolve sugar
Stir 3 cups granulated sugar into the 1 cup hot water until fully dissolved to create a concentrated simple syrup. This prevents graininess and ensures even sweetness when iced. If desired, warm gently over low heat and stir until clear; do not boil.
Combine & Chill
- 6
Mix tea and syrup
Pour the brewed tea into a large pitcher. Add the sugar syrup and stir thoroughly until fully incorporated.
- 7
Add cold water
Add 6 cups of cold water or an equivalent amount of ice to the pitcher. Stir to combine and cool. Taste and adjust sweetness by adding more cold water or a little more syrup if too strong or sweet.
- 8
Chill
Refrigerate the sweet tea for at least 1 to 2 hours until well chilled. For best flavor, chill for 3–4 hours to allow flavors to meld.
