Cinnamon Free Southern Sweet Iced Tea
Sweet, refreshing, and deeply Southern, this iced tea is the kind of drink that disappears fast on a hot afternoon. It's built on just three pantry staples — water, black tea, and sugar — so there's nothing hiding in the ingredient list to worry about. Steeping the tea bags without squeezing them is the secret to a clean, smooth flavor that isn't bitter, and dissolving the sugar while the brew is still hot means every sip is perfectly balanced from top to bottom. The concentrate method gives you a rich, full-bodied tea that stays bold even after the cold water is added and the ice starts to melt. A squeeze of lemon or a sprig of fresh mint makes it feel a little fancy without any extra effort. It's the kind of classic recipe you'll come back to all summer 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 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!