If you’re craving some Southern Heaven in a Mason Jar… this Southern Sweet Tea Recipe is for you!
On extra hot days, you can transform this sweet tea into this refreshing frozen Sweet Tea Slush Recipe.
Southern Sweet Tea Recipe
Are you ready for the tastiest way to cool down on a hot day? Southern Sweet Tea to the rescue!
Jessica writes: "My family loves this tea! They beg me to make it for every gathering. It's soooo good."
Now if you’re from the South, you already know what I’m talking about… and how this is the ultimate sweet treat in a mason jar. But if you haven’t experienced this Southern Heaven yet, this easy Southern Sweet Tea Recipe is for you!
And when I say sweet, I’m talking ridiculously, deliciously, heavenly sweet!
Make it up by the pitcher, and store some in your refrigerator to satisfy those cravings on a whim.
It’s so EASY to make and seriously frugal, too! Are you ready?
Here’s what you’ll do…
Southern Sweet Tea Ingredients
You’ll just need a few simple ingredients to make the BEST Sweet Tea!
Check your cupboards, raid your pantry, or add the following to your next grocery list…
- Black Tea Bags (regular size)
- Sugar
- Baking Soda
- Water
Oh, and don’t forget to have some type of pitcher with a lid on hand for storing your tea in the refrigerator.
See… I told you this was going to be EASY!!
Why Add Baking Soda To Tea?
It’s unusual, right?
But just trust me on this one… adding just a pinch of baking soda will make all the difference in your sweet tea.
It helps to neutralize and take the bite off, and smooth out the flavor into that delicious, sweet nectar you love!
Give it a try, and you’ll see why this is the secret trick all Southern grandmas use!
Scroll down for the printable recipe card with detailed, step-by-step instructions.
Southern Sweet Tea Reviews
What Your Frugal Friends Are Saying About This Southern Sweet Tea Recipe…
One reader writes: “This is the best sweet tea recipe, it will make you long for Summer nights sitting on Grandma’s front porch enjoying a glass.
J writes: “I tried it! It came out good. My teen daughter loves it.”
Kathy writes: “I have been looking for a great sweet tea recipe and found yours. I just made it and it is awesome. Thank you.”
Heather writes: “Was perfect!!!”
Sharon writes: “You don’t taste the baking soda, it just makes it smoother”
Sarah writes: “BEST. TEA. EVER!!”
Gaylene writes: “I made this sweet tea as directed, so easy and amazing! I’ll be making this often!”
Ramona writes: “So smooth, appreciate the recipe!”
Jessica writes: “My family loves this tea! They beg me to make it for every gathering. It’s soooo good.”
Kjrstn writes: “Easy peasy. Perfect flavour.”
Joyce writes: “My husband said it tastes like McDonalds sweet tea! Yummmm!”
Alicia writes: “Great recipe!”
Gabrielle writes: “That’s how my mama taught me to do it.”
Erica writes: “My great grandmother taught me the baking soda trick, too!”
Donna writes: “I also add a small Constant Comment tea bag which adds a hint of spice to our sweet tea. I learned that little trick while living in Georgia. At Christmas I use up to 4 family size bags.”
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Did You Enjoy This Recipe? ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a comment & review below!
Southern Sweet Tea Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 Tea Bags (Black Tea) (standard 8 oz. size bags)
- 1 cup Sugar
- 1/8 tsp. Baking Soda
- 2 cups HOT Water
- 6 cups COLD Water
- Optional: Lemon Slices for garnish
Instructions
- Pour 2 cups HOT water into 2 quart pitcher.
- Add 6 tea bags, and steep for approx. 15 minutes.
- After 15 minutes, remove and discard tea bags.
- Add Baking Soda and Sugar to Tea, and stir well until dissolved.
- Add 6 cups COLD water, and stir again.
- Transfer to refrigerator, and once cold… serve in mason jars over ice.
- Optional: Add lemon slices over side of jars for garnish. ENJOY!
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So have you tried this Southern Sweet Tea recipe yet?
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Chantel says
Just made this delicious tea for my teenager and her friends. It’s sweet and has a smooth taste!! Now I know the secret (bakiang soda) and will share with the whole family!! Thank you!!!
Heidi says
You’re very welcome, Chantel… I’m so glad you loved it! 🙂
Denise says
It was delicious! My granddaughter requested it fir her birthday party. It was a big hit. Many asked for the secret. I think it’s the baking soda.
Thank you!!!
Heidi says
I’m so glad everyone loved it, Denise! And I agree… that secret ingredient makes ALL the difference! 🙂
Healthy World Cuisine says
That is genius! Must give that baking soda hack a try. We have found if we cold brew tea we do not get so many of these bitter tannins in the tea. However, sometimes you got to have iced tea FAST so this is a trick we are going to remember. Thank you!
Heidi says
You’re very welcome… ENJOY! 🙂
Bayleigh says
Once made, how long is it good for in the fridge? Will adding a bit of lemon juice make it last longer? I’m so excited to make this, I LOVE sweet tea!!
Ann says
This really does taste good, my husband is a diabetic and I don’t like Splenda, so real sweet tea is a treat for me. I want to make a gallon for Labor Day weekend. If I double 12 teabags just seems a lot, Has anyone tried this
Heidi says
Hi Ann ~ if doubling the recipe for 1 gallon, you’ll use 12 teabags. The volume of tea bags gives it the perfect amount of tea flavor paired with the sweet sugar. Hope that helps! 🙂
Jodi says
This was so delicious. I made it tonight exactly how it says. My teen daughter loved it. Thanks!!
Heidi says
You’re very welcome, Jodi! This is definitely a family favorite around here. I’m so glad to hear your daughter loved it, too!
Lori says
Are these regular size tea bags or family size?
Heidi says
Hi Lori ~ you’ll use regular size tea bags. 🙂
Andrea says
What size tea bags did u use? They many different sizes.
Heidi says
Hi Andrea ~ you’ll use the standard 8 oz. size tea bags.
Rachel says
I just made this recipe and it’s the best!!
Heidi says
Aww… thank you, Rachel! I’m so glad you liked the sweet tea! 🙂
Rebecca Dillon says
I’m from the South, home of sweet tea, but I’d never heard of the baking soda trick before. I’ll have to try it this way.
Heidi says
You will love it, Rebecca… it makes such a difference. 🙂
Christie says
Gosh this sounds so good! I love how it’s a sweetened tea! I’m such a fan of tea in general so this is right up my alley! Thanks for sharing Heidi!
Heidi says
You’re very welcome, Christie! It is definitely a Summer must-have around here! 🙂
DANA says
Since baking soda has some health benefits, do you think it’s fine to add more than an 1/8?
Heidi says
I honestly haven’t tried adding more than that, Dana… but if you do, let me know how it turns out!
Renee says
If I were to add an artificial sweetner like Swerve how much would I use?
Rebecca Niehaus says
Hmmmm……..I’ve never heard of putting baking soda into tea. Sounds interesting! What does it do?
Heidi says
Hi Rebecca ~ I love adding just a pinch of Baking Soda to my sweet tea… even just a tiny bit really helps to cut the bitterness, neutralize the tea, and give it a smoother flavor. 😉
Rebecca Niehaus says
Thanks for responding Heidi! What a great tip! I will definitely try this out! Have a great day 🙂
Heidi says
Aww ~ you’re very welcome, Rebecca! Enjoy your Sweet Tea! 🙂