Shellfish Free Classic Sweet Iced Tea
Few drinks hit quite like a tall glass of sweet iced tea on a warm afternoon, and this classic Southern-style version is exactly what it sounds like — simple, refreshing, and deeply satisfying. Black tea bags, sugar, and water are all you need to pull it together, which means there's nothing mysterious hiding in the ingredient list. The technique of dissolving the sugar directly into the hot concentrate is the key move here, ensuring every sip is evenly sweet rather than gritty at the bottom of the glass. Cooling it down gradually before refrigerating keeps the tea clear and smooth instead of cloudy. A squeeze of lemon or a few sprigs of fresh mint at serving time add a bright, aromatic finish that makes it feel a little more special without any extra effort. This is the kind of pitcher drink you'll want to keep stocked in the fridge all season long.
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!