
Few drinks capture the spirit of a long, lazy afternoon quite like a tall glass of sweet iced tea. This classic Southern recipe keeps things beautifully simple โ just water, black tea, and sugar โ so there's zero guesswork about what's actually in your glass. That matters more than people realize, since flavored teas and bottled versions can sneak in unexpected additives or be processed on shared lines with tree nuts. Here, you're in full control from the first boil to the last pour. The trick of dissolving the sugar while the tea is still hot means every sip is perfectly balanced, never gritty, and never bitter โ especially since the bags are pulled without squeezing, which keeps those harsh tannins out. Serve it over a mountain of ice with a lemon slice or a sprig of fresh mint, and it's instantly refreshing and just a little fancy. Once you make a pitcher at home, the store-bought stuff really doesn't stand a chance.
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Learn more โ8 servings






Bring 4 cups of water to a full boil in a medium saucepan over high heat.
Remove the saucepan from the heat, add the tea bags, and steep for 5 minutes. Remove and discard the tea bags without squeezing them โ squeezing releases bitter tannins.
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