
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 ā just water, black tea, and sugar ā so every sip is clean, refreshing, and deeply satisfying. The technique matters here: steeping the bags without squeezing them keeps the brew smooth and free of any bitter edge, and dissolving the sugar while the tea is still hot ensures that every glass is perfectly sweet from top to bottom. Those of us navigating tree nut concerns can sometimes feel like even the most innocent-seeming pantry staples need a second look, but this recipe is as straightforward as it gets ā no specialty ingredients, no hidden surprises. Serve it over a mountain of ice with a lemon slice tucked on the rim and a sprig of fresh mint for a little extra flair. It's the kind of drink that disappears fast at gatherings and earns requests for the recipe every single time.
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Learn more ā8 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 ā squeezing releases bitter tannins.
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