How to Make Sweet Tea Syrup (Southern Iced Tea Concentrate)
Make the perfect batch of Southern sweet tea any time with this easy homemade sweet tea syrup recipe. Ideal for summer sipping, prepping ahead, and saving fridge space!
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Sweet tea, also called sweet iced tea, is a staple of the Southern United States and has been officially recognized as a symbol of the region’s hospitality and cultural heritage. Want to dive deeper into the history of this Southern staple? Click here to learn more about sweet tea.
Why You’ll Love This Sweet Tea Syrup Recipe
Sweet tea is a southern staple and in our house, we drink it daily. But instead of keeping gallon jugs of pre-made tea in the fridge, we make a homemade sweet tea syrup (aka tea concentrate) and mix it fresh when we need it. It’s fast, convenient, and just as refreshing.
This simple recipe makes it easy to create a bold, flavorful southern iced tea with just a splash of syrup and water. It also works great with green tea, herbal tea, or even Earl Grey, depending on your taste.
What is Sweet Tea Syrup?
Sweet tea syrup is a concentrated tea sweetener made with sugar, black tea, and water. It’s similar to a simple syrup but infused with tea flavor. You just mix it with cold water (or sparkling water) to make iced tea in seconds. No boiling water or steeping needed each time.
Equipment Needed
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Pitcher
- Mason jar or airtight container
Ingredients
- 4 cups filtered water – We use water from our Berkey filter
- 4 cups granulated sugar – Organic cane sugar gives a lovely clean flavor
- Black tea bags – 25 single serve bags or 12 family size bags or 4 gallon size bags.
You can substitute other teas like green tea, peach, or raspberry to create flavored tea syrups.
How to Make Sweet Tea Syrup
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Boil the water and sugar:
In a medium saucepan, combine 4 cups water and 4 cups sugar. Bring to a boil over high heat, whisking frequently until the sugar dissolves. - Steep the tea bags:
Remove the pot from the heat. Add 25 small black tea bags (or 12 family-size, or 4 gallon size) and steep for at least 30 minutes or up to 1 hour for stronger flavor. - Cool and store:
Remove the tea bags. Let the syrup cool, then pour into a mason jar or airtight glass container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.
How to Use Sweet Tea Syrup
Use this sweet tea syrup just like a concentrate. Here’s the basic ratio:
- 1 cup syrup + 2 quarts cold water
- 2 cups syrup + 1 gallon water
You can always adjust to taste. Add more syrup for sweeter tea or less for a lighter brew. Serve over ice and enjoy!
FAQs
How long does tea syrup last?
Store in the fridge and use within 7–10 days. After that, it may begin to ferment.
Can I use it in other drinks?
Yes! Add a splash to: Mocktails or cocktails, sparkling water, tea lattes, or lemonade.
What’s the difference between sweet tea syrup and simple syrup?
Sweet tea syrup is a flavored concentrate, made by steeping tea in sugar water. Simple syrup is just sugar and water, often used in cocktails or coffee.
Can I use maple syrup instead of sugar?
Yes! You can steep tea bags in a maple-sweetened mixture. Just note: the flavor will be earthier and less “classic southern.”
How much syrup should I use per gallon?
We use 2 cups of syrup per 1 gallon of water, but adjust to your preference.
Tips & Variations
- Try flavored tea bags like peach, raspberry, or green tea
- Add lemon slices or fresh mint when mixing for a twist
- Label and date your syrup jar for easy tracking
- Make smaller batches if you only drink tea occasionally
Tips for Scaling or Storing in Bulk
How to Scale This Recipe for a Crowd
Hosting a cookout or family reunion? This sweet tea syrup recipe can easily be doubled or tripled. Just keep the 1:1 ratio of water to sugar, and steep the same amount of tea bags.
For a party-sized batch
8 cups water + 8 cups sugar + 50 tea bags = about 4 gallon of sweet tea when diluted.
Store in quart mason jars and keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
Troubleshooting Tips for Tea Syrup
My syrup is cloudy – This usually happens if the tea is oversteeped or the water is hard. Use filtered water and steep no more than an hour.
It’s too sweet / not sweet enough – Adjust sugar levels to taste. You can start with 3 cups sugar and test.
It’s too strong – Simply dilute with more water when mixing your tea.
More From Scratch Favorites to Try:
- Old Fashioned Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
The ultimate cozy dinner with flaky crust and savory filling perfect after a cold glass of tea. - The Best Einkorn Chocolate Chip Cookies
A soft, chewy cookie made from fresh milled flour. - Fresh Milled Cornbread Recipe
Pair your sweet tea with this moist, flavorful cornbread made from scratch. - The Best Einkorn Peach Crisp
A seasonal summer dessert that tastes even better with a glass of sweet tea. - Homemade Canned Spaghetti Sauce
Keep your pantry stocked with flavorful homemade staples like this one.
Sweet tea syrup is a simple southern hack that makes life a little easier and a lot tastier. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ, prepping for a hot summer week, or just love a cold glass of tea on your porch, this tea concentrate delivers all the flavor without the fuss.
If you give this recipe a try, leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram @lewisacreshomestead. I’d love to see how it turned out for you!
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