The Best Way to Make the Best Southern Sweet Tea by Trevin Plunkett

Steps 1-3

trevinplunkett — 2025-06-07 03:59:52 UTC

Step 1- Get a gallon sized tea bag, or 4 quart sized tea bags. I prefer Lipton tea bags, but any other should be fine. I don't prefer to use any mint or special flavored tea bags as it will effect the final taste.

Step 2- Get a small pan and fill it about halfway full of water. Set it on the stove and insert the tea bag.

Step 3- With the tea bag full submerged in the water, turn the stove on and let the bag set in there until the water starts to boil.

Steps 4-6

trevinplunkett — 2025-06-07 03:59:57 UTC

Step 4- While the water is heating up, you will want to get a gallon sized pitcher and fill it about halfway with ice cubes.

Step 5- You then will want to add 2 cups of sugar to the pitcher. It's best to try and let the sugar get under the ice so when you pour the tea in there the sugar will mix better while the ice floats to the top.

Step 6- When you see the water start to boil, allow the tea bag to set in there just enough to where the bag seems really dark and saturated. You will then pour the tea into the pitcher, but make sure the bag stays in the pan.

Steps 7-9

trevinplunkett — 2025-06-07 04:00:00 UTC

Step 7- With the tea bag being the only thing left in the pan, you will then flatten out the bag in the pan and refill it halfway with water. You will have to apply some pressure to the bag so the tea will flow into the water. Complete the step about 3-4 more times until the pitcher is about 3/4 quarters full.

Step 8- You will then want to stir the pitcher until you can't fill the sugar at the bottom anymore.

Step 9- Fill the pitcher up the rest of the way with water. This will make sure the tea and sugar volume is evened out with water.