Southern Sweet Tea
As the temperatures climb and summer settles across the South, few things are more refreshing than a tall glass of homemade sweet tea. Whether you're gathering with family on the back porch, hosting a neighborhood cookout, or simply escaping the afternoon heat, sweet tea has a way of bringing people together.
It's more than just a beverage—it's a Southern tradition passed from one generation to the next, served alongside stories, laughter, and long summer evenings. In South Carolina, sweet tea is such an important part of our culture that it was officially named the state's hospitality beverage in 1995, a fitting tribute to a drink that has welcomed guests into Southern homes for generations.
What makes Southern sweet tea special isn't just the ingredients—it's the ritual. The slow steeping of the tea, the sugar stirred in while the brew is still hot, and the anticipation of that first ice-cold sip all signal that summer has arrived.
Every family seems to have its own preferred method and favorite tea brand, but the result is always the same: a pitcher waiting in the refrigerator, ready for unexpected visitors or a quiet moment on the porch swing. This simple recipe captures the classic South Carolina approach to sweet tea—smooth, refreshing, and just sweet enough to make any Sunday meal feel complete.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Steep Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients:
4 Luzianne Tea Bags (Family Size)
1 Gallon Water
1 Cup Sugar
Instructions:
In a large pot, pour in cold water, place in the 4 family size tea bags, and then bring the water to a boil.
Once the water has reached boiling temperature, turn off the stove and allow tea to steep for 30 minutes.
Remove and discard tea bags.
Add 1 cup of sugar and mix until sugar has dissolved into the tea.
Transfer tea to a pitcher and refrigerate.
Serve over ice with or without lemon wedge.
