Sweet Tea Lemonade Recipe

This refreshing Sweet Tea Lemonade is made with black tea, fresh lemon juice, and a simple sugar syrup. The result is a perfectly balanced, tangy, and sweet drink that is the ultimate combination of two Southern favorites. It’s an easy-to-make beverage perfect for a hot summer day or a backyard barbecue, making a full pitcher for a crowd.

Sweet Tea Lemonade Ingredients

For the Sweet Tea:

• 4-5 black tea bags (like Lipton or Luzianne)
• 4 cups boiling water
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

For the Lemonade:

• 1 cup fresh lemon juice (from 4-6 lemons)
• 4-5 cups cold water
• Lemon slices and fresh mint for garnish

How To Make Sweet Tea Lemonade

1. Brew the tea: Place the tea bags in a large, heat-safe pitcher. Pour 4 cups of boiling water over the tea bags. Allow the tea to steep for 5-7 minutes. The longer it steeps, the stronger the tea flavor will be.
2. Make the simple syrup: After the tea has steeped, remove the tea bags. Add the granulated sugar to the hot tea and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. This creates a sweet tea base.
3. Mix the lemonade: To the sweet tea pitcher, add the fresh lemon juice and 4 cups of cold water. Stir the mixture well to combine everything. Taste and adjust the sweetness or tartness if needed. You can add more cold water for a lighter flavor or a little more sugar if you prefer it sweeter.
4. Chill and serve: Refrigerate the pitcher for at least 1 hour, or until it is completely chilled. This allows the flavors to fully meld together. Before serving, give the lemonade a good stir. Pour into glasses filled with ice and garnish with fresh lemon slices and mint leaves.

Recipe Tips

• Use fresh lemon juice: For the brightest, most vibrant flavor, always use freshly squeezed lemon juice instead of bottled juice. It makes a big difference in the final taste.
• Adjust the sweetness: The amount of sugar is a starting point. Feel free to use more or less depending on your preference. You can also use a sugar substitute or honey if you prefer.
• Make a concentrate: For easier storage, you can make a concentrate by using less water in the initial steps. Then, simply add water when you are ready to serve. This is great for parties or storing for later.
• Prevent a cloudy drink: To keep your lemonade from getting cloudy, add the cold water last. Also, make sure to add the sugar to the hot tea so it fully dissolves.

What To Serve Sweet Tea Lemonade

This drink is the perfect complement to classic Southern comfort food and barbecue. Serve it alongside pulled pork sandwiches, grilled chicken, or a big plate of ribs. It also pairs wonderfully with light, fresh meals like a summer salad or a simple grilled fish. For a party, it’s a refreshing non-alcoholic option for guests.

How To Store Sweet Tea Lemonade Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Store leftover Sweet Tea Lemonade in a sealed pitcher or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Stir it well before serving again.
• Freeze: Freezing is not recommended for this drink, as the flavors and texture may separate.

Sweet Tea Lemonade Nutrition Facts

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 100 kcal
• Total Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 0mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 25g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 25g
• Protein: 0g

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use a different kind of tea? While black tea is the traditional choice, you can definitely experiment with other types. Green tea will give you a lighter, more delicate flavor, while a decaffeinated black tea is a great option for evening drinks.
• Why did my drink get cloudy? Cloudiness is a common issue and usually happens for a few reasons. One is using bottled lemon juice, which can contain preservatives that cause cloudiness. Another is adding sugar to cold water, which doesn’t allow it to dissolve fully.
• Can I make a big batch for a party? Yes! This recipe can be easily scaled up for a large crowd. Just use the same ratio of ingredients. For example, to double the recipe, use 8-10 tea bags, 8 cups of boiling water, 1 cup of sugar, and 2 cups of lemon juice.

Try More Recipes:

• The Spicy Cowgirl Recipe
• Thunder Margarita Recipe
• Tropical Bellinis Recipe