Making Sweet Tea: The Perfect Guide

Sweet tea isn’t just a drink — it’s a Southern tradition and a symbol of comfort.
Often called the “house wine of the South,” it’s a staple at family meals, summer gatherings, and everyday moments.

In this guide, we’ll cover what sweet tea is made of, whether it has caffeine, its health impact, and how it compares to soda — plus a simple recipe to try at home.

What Is Sweet Tea?

Sweet tea is typically brewed black tea sweetened with sugar and served ice cold. Unlike unsweetened iced tea, sweet tea is infused with sugar while still warm, allowing for a smooth, well-balanced taste. Southern sweet tea and sweet iced tea are traditional beverages deeply rooted in Southern culture.

Fun Fact: Sweet tea originated in the American South in the late 19th century and remains a regional favorite to this day.

How to Make Sweet Tea at Home

Learn how to make sweet tea at home with simple ingredients and easy steps.

Sweet tea recipe:

• 2 tbsp loose-leaf black tea or 4–6 black tea bags
• 4 cups boiling water (for a gallon batch, use 12–16 tea bags and 1 gallon water)
• ½ to 1 cup sugar (adjust to taste) or Splenda as a low-calorie alternative
• 4 cups cold water
• Optional: 1/8 tsp baking soda (to reduce bitterness and improve clarity)
• Ice cubes
• Optional: lemons (for squeezing into the tea), lemon wedges (for garnish), lemon slices, mint leaves

Steps to make sweet tea:

1. Boil 4 cups of water in a pot on the stove, using heat to bring it to a rolling boil. Let the tea bags steeped in hot water for 5–10 minutes. For best results, add a pinch of baking soda during steeping to reduce any bitter or bit taste. Allow the tea to rest after steeping.
2. Remove the tea bags and add sugar, stirring to mix until fully dissolved. You may prefer to use alternative sweeteners such as Splenda if desired.
3. Pour the steeped tea into a pitcher and fill with 4 cups of cold water to combine and cool it down.
4. Store the tea in the fridge or refrigerator until chilled. For serving, pour over ice as ice tea and squeeze fresh lemon juice or add mint if desired.

For a rich, authentic flavor, we recommend using high-quality loose-leaf tea like Dofo Tea’s black tea — crafted for a smooth and aromatic brew.

Does Sweet Tea Have Caffeine?

Sweet tea contains caffeine, as it’s usually made with black tea. An average 8 oz glass may have 20–40 mg of caffeine, depending on steeping time and tea type.

Caffeine Alternatives:

• Use decaf black tea for a lower-caffeine version.
• Try green tea sweet tea for a lighter flavor and slightly less caffeine.

Is Sweet Tea Good for You?

Sweet tea can be enjoyed in moderation. The black tea base provides antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation and support heart health.

Sweet tea benefits, what you need to know:

Store-bought versions often contain excessive sugar.

A homemade version with less sugar is a healthier alternative.

Healthy Drinking Sweet Tea:

• Cut sugar or use natural sweeteners like stevia or honey.
• Brew tea cold overnight to reduce bitterness (and sugar need).
• Choose clean, high-grade tea from trusted brands.

A study by the Harvard School of Public Health found that：Additives of sugar, cream, or milk can reduce the polyphenol content of tea. For the greatest health benefits, try serving tea plain or without too many additives. A dash of vanilla or cinnamon can mimic sweetness.

Is Sweet Tea Better Than Soda?

Sweet tea vs soda — which is healthier?

In many cases, sweet tea is the better choice.

Sweet Tea	Soda
Contains antioxidants	No nutrients
Customizable sugar level	Fixed, high sugar
Made with real tea leaves	Artificial flavors & coloring

While sweet tea can be high in sugar, making it at home gives you full control. Compared to soda’s empty calories and lack of nutrients, tea wins with added health benefits.

Frequently asked questions

How is sweet tea different from iced tea?

Sweet tea is pre-sweetened during the brewing process, while iced tea is typically unsweetened and sugar is added afterward, if at all.

How long does sweet tea last in the fridge?

Freshly brewed sweet tea can last about 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator when stored in a clean, sealed container.

Can you use green tea to make sweet tea?

Yes, although traditional sweet tea uses black tea, green tea can be used for a lighter, less caffeinated version.