Barley Free Classic Sweet Iced Tea
Sweet, refreshing, and deeply satisfying, this classic Southern-style iced tea is the kind of drink that makes a hot afternoon feel instantly more manageable. The sugar dissolves right into the hot concentrate, giving you that smooth, evenly sweet sip all the way to the bottom of the glass. Black tea bags, water, and granulated sugar are all you need — no hidden grain-based additives or malt-derived ingredients to worry about, which can sometimes sneak into flavored or bottled tea products at the store. Steeping without squeezing the bags keeps any bitterness at bay, so the final result is clean and mellow. A squeeze of lemon or a sprig of fresh mint takes it from everyday to genuinely impressive. Make a big pitcher and keep it cold — it disappears faster than you'd expect.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
8 servings
- 8 cups water, divided
- 6 black tea bags (such as lipton or luzianne)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
For serving
- ice, for serving
- lemon slices, for serving (optional)
- fresh mint sprigs, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Bring 4 cups of the water to a boil in a medium saucepan over high heat. Remove from the heat, add the tea bags, and steep for 5 minutes. Remove and discard the tea bags without squeezing them.
- 2
While the tea is still hot, add the sugar and stir until completely dissolved, about 1 minute.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!