There are a few trademark things folks think of when they think of the South. Those tend to be things like friendly people, sunny weather, and sweet iced tea—very sweet. A classic Southern sweet tea recipe can be very simple—just tea, sugar, water, and lemon if you so choose. But we’re also all in favor of mixing it up, so we’ve gathered some of our favorite sweet tea recipes that range from traditional to totally fresh and new. We’ll walk you through how to make sweet tea, but also how to make sweet-tea inspired treats, like Sweet Tea Tiramisù or Sweet Tea Dulce de Leche. Or incorporate the sweet drink into the main course with recipes like our Grilled Shrimp Salad with Sweet Tea Vinaigrette or Sweet Tea Brined Chicken. We’ve even got a recipe for Sweet Tea Rice. Who knew there were so many spins on this Southern staple. For even more hydrating ideas, check out our gallery of refreshing teas and non-alcoholic sippers.
Southern Sweet Tea
Recipe: Southern Sweet Tea
Our classic recipe for sweet iced tea, Southern Sweet Tea, is a Southerner's favorite. If you like your iced tea extra sweet, add the full cup of sugar.
Watch: Simply Southern Sweet Tea
Lemon-Blueberry Sweet Tea
Recipe: Lemon-Blueberry Sweet Tea
Blueberries and lemon add a refreshing flair to iced tea for your next summer get-together.
Sweet Tea Tiramisù
Recipe: Sweet Tea Tiramisù
Tiramisù is delicious no matter what. Throw sweet tea into the mix and you'll have a to-die-for dessert.
Blackberry Sweet Tea
Recipe: Blackberry Sweet Tea
Shake your thirst with an inviting glass of Blackberry Sweet Tea. For the garnish, cut desired amount of wooden skewers into 5-inch lengths; then place fresh blackberries on skewers.
Lemonade Sweet Tea
Recipe: Lemonade Sweet Tea
Combine two Southern favorites—lemonade and iced tea—for a deliciously refreshing drink.
Grilled Shrimp Salad with Sweet Tea Vinaigrette
Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Salad with Sweet Tea Vinaigrette
This salad is packed with delicious ingredients—pecans, shrimp, peaches, and blue cheese. Whip up an easy Sweet Tea Vinaigrette to top it off.
Citrus Sweet Tea
Recipe: Citrus Sweet Tea
Pineapple, orange, lemon juice, and cloves help upgrade this Southern classic. Garnish with lemon slices for a memorable drink.
Mint Julep Sweet Tea
Recipe: Mint Julep Sweet Tea
This iced cocktail features the best of two classic Southern drinks: the mint julep and sweet tea. For best results, sip in a rocking chair on a front porch somewhere.
Sweet Tea Icebox Tart
Recipe: Sweet Tea Icebox Tart
A cool citrus-flavored tart with a hint of sweet tea is the perfect dessert. Serve in a Gingersnap Crust, or use your favorite prepared crust for an easy shortcut.
Ginger-and-Honey Sweet Tea
Recipe: Ginger-and-Honey Sweet Tea
Instead of sweetening your iced tea with sugar, use honey instead. Add some grated fresh ginger for a delightful twist.
Governor's Mansion Summer Peach Tea Punch
Recipe: Governor's Mansion Summer Peach Tea Punch
Great for a summer party, this peach sweet tea punch is a refreshing crowd pleaser.
Sweet Tea-Brined Chicken
Recipe: Sweet Tea-Brined Chicken
A hint of tea, brown sugar, and rosemary makes up the marinade for this grilled chicken. The combination is irresistible!
Spiked Lemonade Sweet Tea
Recipe: Spiked Lemonade Sweet Tea
Spiked with bourbon or rum, this sweet tea is just for the adults. Garnish with fresh sugarcane and pineapple slices for a sophisticated presentation.
Sweet Tea Rice
Recipe: Sweet Tea Rice
No need to make plain rice ever again! Use tea instead of water while cooking for added flavor.
Sweet Tea Rice with Jalapeño, Peaches, and Pecans
Recipe: Sweet Tea Rice with Jalapeño, Peaches, and Pecans
Kick up your rice a notch with jalapeños. Paired with sweet peaches, this recipe will be your favorite sweet-and-spicy side dish.
Sweet Tea Rice Tabbouleh
Recipe: Sweet Tea Rice Tabbouleh
Try a fresh tabbouleh recipe for another twist on plain rice—seasoned with mint, lemon juice, parsley, and green onions.
Slightly Sweet Tea
Recipe: Slightly Sweet Tea
Serve refreshing sweet tea to guests without a tinge of guilt. This green tea version is sweetened with honey and flavored with orange and lime. At 68 calories per cup, you may find a new summer favorite.
Simple Syrups
Recipe: Mint Simple Syrup
Recipe: Lemon Balm Simple Syrup
Recipe: Basil Simple Syrup
Recipe: Rosemary Simple Syrup
Jazz up your iced tea with these simple syrups. Add two to three Tbsp. of one of these syrups to add loads of flavor to your iced tea.
Sweet Tea-and-Lemonade Cake
Recipe: Sweet Tea-and-Lemonade Cake
Feeling rowdy? Spin this into a tipsy cake by substituting up to 2 Tbsp. vodka or bourbon for the lemon juice in the frosting.
