
Few drinks capture the spirit of a long, lazy afternoon quite like a tall glass of sweet iced tea. This classic Southern version is built on just three pantry staples โ water, black tea bags, and sugar โ so there is nothing unexpected hiding in the mix. That simplicity is genuinely refreshing when so many store-bought teas and powdered mixes sneak in spices, colorings, or botanical blends that can be hard to vet at a glance. The method here is straightforward: steep, sweeten while hot so the sugar dissolves completely, then dilute and chill until you're ready to pour. Skipping the step of squeezing the tea bags is a small but smart move that keeps the flavor smooth and mellow rather than sharp or astringent. A handful of ice, a lemon slice, and a sprig of fresh mint turn a simple pitcher into something that looks and tastes like it took real effort. It's the kind of recipe you'll come back to all season long.
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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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