Ginger Free Classic Sweet Iced Tea
Sweet, refreshing, and deeply satisfying, this classic Southern-style iced tea is the kind of drink that disappears fast on a warm afternoon. Strong black tea gets steeped just long enough to develop rich flavor, then sweetened while hot so the sugar dissolves completely into every sip — no grainy residue, no shortcuts. The concentrate method means you end up with a perfectly balanced pitcher that isn't watered down once the ice hits the glass. For anyone avoiding ginger, store-bought bottled teas and premixed drinks can be a minefield of unexpected add-ins, but this recipe keeps things beautifully simple with just three core ingredients. A squeeze of lemon or a sprig of fresh mint at serving adds a bright, clean finish without complicating anything. It's the kind of recipe you'll make on repeat all summer long.
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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.
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