Sweet Tea Recipe

Steep tea

Place 6 black tea bags in a heatproof pitcher or large heatproof container. Pour 6 cups of boiling water over the tea bags, ensuring they are fully submerged.

Let the tea steep for 5 to 7 minutes for a standard-strength sweet tea. For a stronger, more full-bodied sweet tea (Southern-style), steep 8 to 10 minutes. Avoid steeping longer than 12 minutes to prevent excessive bitterness.

Add sugar

While the brewed tea is still hot, remove the tea bags (gently pressing them against the side with a spoon if you like more flavor). Add 1 cup granulated sugar to the hot tea.

Stir vigorously until the sugar is completely dissolved. Dissolving sugar while the tea is hot ensures a smooth, well-incorporated sweetness.

Add 4 cups cold water to the sweetened hot tea to cool it down and bring it to the appropriate strength. Stir to combine.

Allow the tea to come to room temperature, then transfer to the refrigerator. Chill at least 1 to 2 hours until cold.

Fill glasses with ice (about 1 cup ice per serving). Pour chilled sweet tea over the ice.

If using, add 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice per pitcher (stir), and garnish individual glasses with lemon slices and mint sprigs.

Taste and adjust: if you prefer it sweeter, stir in additional sugar (1 tsp at a time) or a simple syrup; if too strong, add a little extra cold water or ice to dilute.