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A glass pitcher filled with iced tea, inspired by a classic sweet tea recipe and garnished with lemon slices, sits on a marble countertop. Mint leaves, extra lemon slices, and a patterned napkin are arranged nearby. Two glasses with ice are in the background.
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5 from 2 votes

Sweet Tea Recipe

We love making this Sweet Tea Recipe for the perfect drink to serve at our backyard BBQ's or as porch-sipping refreshment! All you need is tea bags, sugar, water and a gallon pitcher for a drink you'll crave all year long.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Chill:2 hours
Total Time2 hours 20 minutes
Course: Beverage
Cuisine: American
Servings: 16
Author: Carrie Barnard
Cost: $2.48, $0.16 per Serving

Ingredients

  • 3 family size tea bags
  • 1 gallon water 16 cups
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1-2 lemons optional

Instructions

  • Bring 8 cups of water to a boil in a large pot over high heat.
  • Once the water reaches a boil, add 3 family-size tea bags and gently press them into the water so they are fully submerged.
  • Turn off the heat and allow the tea bags to steep for 10–15 minutes.
  • Add 2 cups granulated sugar to the hot tea and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
  • Pour the tea mixture into a large pitcher and add the remaining 8 cups cold water.
  • Stir well to combine.
  • Refrigerate the sweet tea for 2–3 hours until chilled.
  • Serve the tea over ice and garnish with 1–2 sliced lemons if desired.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 98kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 0.1g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.003g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.001g | Sodium: 12mg | Potassium: 10mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 25g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 9mg | Iron: 0.1mg
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