BHA & BHT Free Southern Sweet Iced Tea
Sweet, refreshing, and made entirely from scratch, this classic Southern iced tea is the kind of drink that disappears fast at any gathering. What makes it especially reassuring is how short and clean the ingredient list is — just water, tea bags, and sugar, with no bottled concentrates or store-bought mixes that often sneak in synthetic preservatives like BHA and BHT. Steeping the tea bags without squeezing them is the key move here, keeping the brew smooth and free of that bitter edge that can ruin a good glass. The sugar dissolves right into the hot concentrate, so every sip is evenly sweet from top to bottom. Serve it over a tall glass of ice with a lemon slice or a sprig of fresh mint for that picture-perfect Southern touch. It's the kind of simple, wholesome recipe that proves you don't need anything artificial to get big, satisfying flavor.
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 cup water
- 6 black tea bags (family-size or regular)
- 1 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 water to a full boil in a medium saucepan over high heat.
- 2
Remove the saucepan from the heat, add the tea bags, and steep for 5 minutes. Remove and discard the tea bags without squeezing them — squeezing releases bitter tannins.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!