Learn how to make a sweet tea on the stove that isn't bitter. This is an easy recipe that is cheaper than buying jugs of tea and tastes a lot better. You can even adjust the sugar for your needs.
When I was a kid, my grandmother made iced tea all the time. Her tea was strong, sweet, and perfect for a summer day.
We drink a lot of tea in the summer. I still use her recipe to make my sweet iced tea on the stove. I use her basic recipe, but I've made some minor changes so it isn't bitter and not quite as strong.
If you've never made iced tea or sweet tea at home, you won't believe how easy it is. It also tastes a lot better than what you buy in the jugs at the store.
I'm not a big fan of any store bought iced tea except at McDonald's or Chic-fil-A. I order half and half with sweet tea and unsweet tea because I can't handle that much sugar.
How to Make Sweet Iced Tea on the Stove
Can You Make Tea on the Stove?
Yes! It's very easy, and you don't need any special equipment. You just need a pan that will hold 4 cups of water.
Do You Have to Boil Water to Make Iced Tea?
Not necessarily. You can cold brew tea. When I make white tea, I use the cold brew method. For sweet tea, I prefer to heat the water so the sugar dissolves completely.
I used the cold brew method to make my loaded tea recipes.
Can You Make Any Tea Into Iced Tea?
Yes, you can use any tea to make iced tea. However, you won't follow these exact directions for all types of tea.
White tea and green tea should be steeped with hot water and not boiling water. Boiling water will make it bitter. I use a cold brew for green tea or white tea.
I have made iced tea on the stove with herbal teas, and it works well. I've even mixed a raspberry tea with black tea for flavored tea.
How Many Tea Bags Do You Use for a Gallon of Tea?
I use 12 tea bags per gallon. That seems like a lot, but I don't let them steep for a long time. You can use 8 if you want a weaker tea.
What is the Best Tea to Make Iced Tea With?
I prefer regular Lipton tea to make sweet iced tea on the stove. I've tried generic teas and other brands. They don't have quite the same flavor.
You can use your favorite brand though.
How Long Should Iced Tea Steep
The longer the tea steeps, the stronger it will be. It can also get bitter if it steeps for too long. I let mine steep for 4-6 minutes.
Why Is My Iced Tea Bitter?
Tannins in tea can cause a bitter taste. If you steep the tea at a high temperature or for too long, more tannins are released into the tea. This can make your tea bitter.
Some people recommend adding a pinch of baking soda to take away the bitterness.
You can also make an Instant Pot sweet tea recipe. It doesn't get bitter in a pressure cooker.
Sweet Iced Tea on Stove Ingredients
- 4 cups filtered water
- 1 - 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 12 Lipton tea bags
Directions
Step #1
Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium sized pan over high heat.
Step #2
Add the sugar and stir to dissolve. When it is completely dissolved, turn off the heat and move the pan off of the burner.
Step #3
Let the water cool for about 5 minutes. You want it hot but not boiling because that can cause the iced tea to be bitter. Add 12 tea bags. Let steep for 5-6 minutes.
Step #4
Carefully remove the tea bags. Do not squeeze them because this can release tannins that can make the tea bitter.
Step #5
Fill a gallon pitcher about half full with ice. Pour the iced tea over the ice. Fill the pitcher with water to top it off.
Now sit back and enjoy! You can drink it plain or add some fresh lemon slices. This will last about a week in the fridge.
Sweet Iced Tea on Stove Variations
If you want stronger tea, let the tea steep longer. You can leave tea bags in up to three hours. This can make your tea bitter though.
Omit the sugar to make an unsweetened iced tea.
If you want sweet tea without sugar, try one of the following sweeteners:
- Honey
(this works best with fruit flavored teas)
- Coconut sugar
- Xylitol
- Stevia
- Monk fruit
Be sure to adjust the amount of sweetener if necessary. Monk fruit, for example, is 200 times sweeter than sugar, so you'll use a lot less.
Mix equal parts iced tea and lemonade to make an Arnold Palmer.
Add a shot of bourbon to a glass to make a spiked iced tea.
Sweet Iced Tea Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 cups filtered water
- 1 - 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 12 Lipton tea bags
Instructions:
How to cook Sweet Iced Tea Recipe
- Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium sized pan over high heat.
- Add the sugar and stir to dissolve. When it is completely dissolved, turn off the heat and move the pan off of the burner.
- Let the water cool for about 5 minutes. You want it hot but not boiling because that can cause the iced tea to be bitter. Add 12 tea bags. Let steep for 5-6 minutes.
- Carefully remove the tea bags. Do not squeeze them because this can release tannins that can make the tea bitter.
- Fill a gallon pitcher about half full with ice. Pour the iced tea over the ice. Fill the pitcher with water to top it off.
Notes:
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