Sweet Tea Showdown: Steeped vs Syrup

The Spirit of Georgia

In this episode of Spirit of Georgia, we dive into one of the South’s most beloved and debated traditions: sweet tea. Is the classic method of adding sugar to hot tea the true Southern way, or can adding simple syrup to unsweetened tea achieve the same iconic taste? Our guests, lifelong Georgians Dara and Tori, are here to put their taste buds to the test. Join us as we explore the origins of this sweet Southern staple, share personal stories, and finally settle the sweet tea showdown! Plus, you’ll get a delicious tea-inspired cocktail recipe to try at home.

SEGMENT 1: DEEP SOUTH DISPATCH: Southern sweet tea is more than just a drink—it’s a tradition, a staple at every family gathering, and a source of comfort on a hot Georgia day. But the way it’s made often sparks a heated debate. Today, Tori and Dara will taste-test two versions of sweet tea. Which method will come out on top? Let’s find out!

SEGMENT 2: PORCH TALK: Dara and Tori talk about their memories of growing up drinking sweet tea and what it means to them.

SEGMENT 3: PEACH STATE PLACES: Dara and Tori discuss life in Quitman, Georgia.

SEGMENT 4: POURING IT ALL TOGETHER:

Before we close, we want to share our favorite sweet tea cocktail recipe with you.

Here's what you'll need:

• 1.5 oz of 1861 Distillery Vodka
• 3 oz of your favorite sweet tea
• ½ oz of lemon juice
• ½ oz of simple syrup
• 4-5 fresh mint leaves

In a shaker, gently muddle 4-5 fresh mint leaves to release the flavors.

Add 1.5 oz of 1861 Distillery Vodka, 3 oz of sweet tea, ½ oz of lemon juice, and ½ oz of simple syrup into the shaker.

Fill the shaker with ice and shake well until chilled.

Strain the mixture into a glass filled with fresh ice.

Garnish with a sprig of mint and a lemon wheel for a refreshing Southern touch.

And if you’d like to make this refreshing cocktail at home, you can find the full recipe by visiting our website and looking under the vodka recipes section. Cheers!

Thanks for spending a little time with us on Spirit of Georgia. We hope today’s stories brought you closer to the heart of our state and reminded you why we all love calling Georgia home. Be sure to subscribe, leave us a review, and follow 1861 Distillery on social media for more glimpses of Southern life and the flavors that keep our traditions alive. Stay southern, y’all!

• For classic Southern sweet tea, all you need is 3 family-sized black tea bags, a cup of sugar, and water. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil, steep the tea bags for about 5 minutes, then dissolve the sugar. Pour it into a pitcher, add 3 more quarts of water, and refrigerate for a few hours or overnight. Serve over ice, and for that extra touch, garnish with fresh mint or a lemon slice.
• Add 3 more quarts of water to the tea base to make a gallon of sweet tea and stir to combine.
• Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or, ideally, overnight.
• Pour the sweet tea into ice-filled glasses. Add a sprig of mint or a slice of lemon to each, if desired!