The Best Sweet Tea Bliss

This refreshing homemade sweet tea delivers a perfectly balanced flavor — rich and smooth without bitterness, lightly sweetened, and chilled to perfection. Ideal for hot afternoons, casual gatherings, or simply enjoying with your favorite comfort food.

Print Recipe

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 5

Chilling Time 1

Total Time 1 10

Servings 8

Ingredients

5 tea bags quality black tea like Luzianne
3/4 cup granulated sugar or adjust to taste
2 quarts fresh water
Lemon wedges for garnish (optional)
Ice for serving

Instructions

Place the tea bags in a medium saucepan and add just enough water to cover them.
Heat until water is almost boiling, then remove from heat and let steep for 2-3 minutes.
Remove the tea bags, pressing gently to extract liquid.
Fill a 2-quart pitcher halfway with cold water. Add the sugar and stir until dissolved.
Pour the hot tea concentrate into the pitcher and stir well.
Add remaining cold water to fill the pitcher.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
Serve over ice, garnished with lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

For stronger tea, steep for up to 5 minutes, but no longer.
Always start with fresh, cold water for the cleanest taste.
Chill thoroughly before serving for the most refreshing flavor.
Add fresh herbs like mint or basil for a unique twist.