Homemade sweet iced tea is a classic summer drink that many people enjoy. Making it yourself is easier than you might think, and you can customize it to your liking.

How to make homemade Sweet Tea

To start, bring 2 cups of filtered water to a boil on the stovetop. Once the water boils, turn off the heat and add 6 tea bags. Let the tea steep for 5-7 minutes.

While the tea is steeping, gather your other ingredients: 3/4 cup of sugar, 1/8 tsp of baking soda, and 6 cups of filtered water. Once the tea has steeped, remove the tea bags and add the sugar and baking soda. Whisk until all the sugar has dissolved. Then pour the tea into a pitcher and add the 6 cups of filtered water. Serve over ice or chill in the refrigerator.

Variations

One of the best things about making your own sweet, iced tea is that you can easily adjust the recipe to your liking. Like stronger tea, let the tea bags steep longer. If you want it to be sweeter, add more sugar. If you prefer a little lemon flavor, add some lemon juice.

Baking Soda?

You might be wondering why baking soda is included in the recipe. Baking soda is thought to cut down on the bitterness from the tea bags and give you a clear, smooth taste. It’s a small addition that can make a big difference in the flavor of your homemade sweet tea. Furthermore, making your own sweet, iced tea is not only fun and easy, but it’s also more affordable than buying it at the store. Plus, you can feel good about knowing exactly what ingredients are going into your drink. So the next time you’re craving a refreshing glass of sweet tea, give this recipe a try. It might just become your new go-to summer drink!