Every Southerner has their recipe for sweet tea, and every Southerner swears their way is the only way. That is possibly true—but we still think anyone can learn a little something from our tried-and-true recipe for sweet tea.
For example, we prefer using simple syrup instead of granulated sugar. Why? The syrup is clear and won't muddy up the tea's apperance, as it doesn't need to full dissolve the way sugar does.
Another thing we think is right: adding baking soda for the clearest, smoothest cup of sweet tea you've ever had. We know you might be hesitant, but there's only a pinch—just 1/8 teaspoon—so you won't even know it's there. It'll just make your sweet tea the best you've ever had.
![Southern Living Classic Sweet Tea in glasses to serve](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/tOGYMlj3s3MsLRq8n7UWjlPtrnQ=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Classic-Sweet-Tea_beauty_Audit7727-31-dede1b4842064f9e9d9d9be0d3cea627.jpg)
Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
Ingredients
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12 regular-size tea bags
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1/8 tsp. baking soda
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1 qt. water
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1 qt. ice cubes
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1 1/4 cups Simple Syrup
Directions
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Gather ingredients:
Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
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Prepare tea bags:
Place tea bags and baking soda in a large heatproof measuring cup.
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Boil and steep tea:
Bring water just to a rolling boil in a saucepan or kettle, and immediately pour over tea bags, making sure bags are submerged. Cover and steep 7 minutes. Remove tea bags without squeezing; discard tea bags.
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Add ice and Simple Syrup:
Add ice, and stir until ice melts.
Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
Stir in Simple Syrup.
Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
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Serve:
Serve over ice.
Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley