Recipes & Serving Ideas

Sweet tea is delicious on its own, but it's also incredibly versatile! Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy Southern Sweet Tea Company products. Learn more about our premium tea.

Classic Sweet Tea Cocktails

Sweet Tea Bourbon Smash

Mix 4 oz of our sweet tea with 2 oz bourbon, fresh mint leaves, and a squeeze of lemon. Muddle mint, add ice, and garnish with a lemon wheel and mint sprig. Perfect for summer evenings on the porch!

Sweet Tea Vodka Lemonade

Combine equal parts sweet tea and lemonade with 1.5 oz vodka. Serve over ice with a lemon slice. Refreshing and dangerously easy to drink!

Peach Sweet Tea Sangria

Mix our Peach Sweet Tea with white wine, peach schnapps, fresh peach slices, and berries. Let it chill for 2-4 hours, then serve over ice. Perfect for parties and gatherings!

Strawberry Sweet Tea Margarita

Blend our Strawberry Sweet Tea with tequila, triple sec, fresh lime juice, and ice. Rim the glass with sugar and garnish with a fresh strawberry. A Southern twist on a Mexican classic!

Watermelon Sweet Tea Mojito

Muddle fresh watermelon chunks and mint leaves, add our Watermelon Sweet Tea, white rum, and lime juice. Top with club soda and garnish with watermelon wedge and mint. Incredibly refreshing!

Refreshing Mocktails

Sweet Tea Arnold Palmer

The classic! Mix equal parts sweet tea and fresh lemonade. Serve over ice with a lemon wedge. Simple, refreshing, and loved by all ages.

Sparkling Sweet Tea Spritzer

Combine our sweet tea with sparkling water and fresh fruit (try strawberries, peaches, or citrus). A lighter, bubbly twist on traditional sweet tea.

Mint Sweet Tea Cooler

Muddle fresh mint leaves with a splash of lime juice, add our sweet tea and ice. Garnish with mint and lime. Incredibly refreshing!

Peach Ginger Sweet Tea Fizz

Mix our Peach Sweet Tea with ginger ale and a splash of fresh lemon juice. Add sliced peaches and serve over ice. Perfect for brunch!

Berry Blast Sweet Tea

Combine our Strawberry or Raspberry Sweet Tea with muddled fresh berries, a splash of cranberry juice, and sparkling water. Garnish with mixed berries on a skewer.

Sweet Tea Slushies & Frozen Treats

Classic Sweet Tea Slushie

Pour your favorite sweet tea into ice cube trays and freeze overnight. Blend the frozen cubes until slushy. Add a splash of fresh tea for perfect consistency. Serve immediately!

Peach Sweet Tea Popsicles

Mix our Peach Sweet Tea with fresh peach puree and a squeeze of lemon. Pour into popsicle molds and freeze for 4-6 hours. A healthy, refreshing summer treat!

Lemon Sweet Tea Granita

Pour Lemon Sweet Tea into a shallow pan and freeze. Every 30 minutes, scrape with a fork to create ice crystals. After 3-4 hours, you'll have a refreshing Italian-style granita!

Cooking & Baking with Sweet Tea

Sweet Tea Brined Chicken

Use our Classic Sweet Tea as a brine base for chicken. Combine 4 cups sweet tea with 1/4 cup salt, peppercorns, and herbs. Brine chicken for 4-6 hours before grilling or frying. The tea adds incredible moisture and subtle sweetness!

Sweet Tea Glazed Pork Chops

Reduce 2 cups of sweet tea with brown sugar, soy sauce, and garlic until syrupy. Brush on pork chops while grilling for a caramelized, flavorful glaze.

Peach Sweet Tea Cake Soak

Poke holes in a warm vanilla or pound cake and pour our Peach Sweet Tea over it. Let it soak in for a moist, flavorful dessert. Top with whipped cream and fresh peaches!

Sweet Tea BBQ Sauce

Simmer 1 cup sweet tea with ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and spices until thickened. Perfect for ribs, pulled pork, or chicken!

Brewing the Perfect Pitcher

Using our tea bags? Here's our tried-and-true method:

1. Bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil
2. Remove from heat and add 4-6 tea bags (depending on desired strength)
3. Steep for 5-7 minutes—no longer, or it may become bitter
4. Remove tea bags and add 1 cup of sugar while tea is hot
5. Stir until sugar is completely dissolved
6. Add 4 cups of cold water
7. Refrigerate until cold, then serve over ice

Pro tip: Adjust the sugar to your taste—start with less and add more if needed! Shop our tea bags.

Flavor Variations for Homemade Tea

When brewing with our tea bags, try these additions:

• Mint Sweet Tea: Add fresh mint sprigs while steeping
• Citrus Sweet Tea: Add lemon or orange slices to the hot tea
• Spiced Sweet Tea: Add cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, or star anise while brewing
• Vanilla Sweet Tea: Add a splash of vanilla extract after brewing

Food Pairings

Sweet tea pairs beautifully with:

• BBQ and grilled meats - The sweetness balances smoky, savory flavors
• Fried chicken and Southern comfort food - A classic pairing that can't be beat
• Spicy dishes - Sweet tea cools the heat perfectly
• Sandwiches and picnic fare - Refreshing alongside any casual meal
• Brunch dishes - Pairs wonderfully with biscuits, gravy, and breakfast casseroles
• Seafood - Especially fried catfish, shrimp, or crab cakes
• Fresh salads - A light, refreshing complement
• Desserts - Try with pecan pie, peach cobbler, or banana pudding

Party & Entertaining Ideas

Sweet Tea Bar

Set up a DIY sweet tea bar for parties! Offer multiple flavors of our bottled tea with fresh fruit, herbs, flavored syrups, and mix-ins. Let guests create their own custom drinks!

Sweet Tea Punch Bowl

Combine 2 bottles of sweet tea with pineapple juice, orange juice, and ginger ale. Add orange and lemon slices. Serve in a punch bowl with an ice ring for large gatherings.

Tailgate Sweet Tea Station

Keep our bottled sweet tea on ice in a cooler. Offer bourbon, vodka, and rum as optional add-ins for adults, plus fresh lemon wedges and mint for everyone!

Share Your Creations!

We'd love to see how you enjoy our sweet tea! Tag us on social media with your recipes and serving ideas. Your creation might be featured on our page!