Published: · Modified: by Raquel · This post may contain affiliate links · 10 Comments
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Craving the refreshing taste of McDonald's sweet tea but wanting to enjoy it from the comfort of your own home? Look no further! With this copycat McDonald's sweet tea recipe, you can indulge in the classic flavor anytime you want. Whether it's a scorching hot summer day or you simply need a pick-me-up, this homemade version will hit the spot.
Sweet tea is so refreshing during the warmer months, and it's great to always have a pitcher ready in your fridge if you're an avid tea drinker. By making sweet tea at home, you can control just how sweet you want it to be. I like it over a glass full of ice cubes with a slice of lemon or orange.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Recreate the beloved taste of McDonald's sweet tea in your own kitchen.
- Made with simple ingredients that you likely already have on hand.
- Customize the sweetness to suit your taste preferences.
- Perfect for quenching your thirst on hot days or with your favorite meals.
- Enjoy a refreshing beverage without the need to visit a fast-food restaurant.
Ingredients for McDonald's Chilled Sweet Tea
- Filtered water
- Family-sized tea bags
- Sugar
- Baking soda
Equipment and kitchen tools
- Gallon sized pitcher
How to make this McDonald's iced tea recipe
Place 4 cups of water in a large saucepan over high heat. Bring to a rolling boil.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the tea bags to the hot water. Cover and allow the hot tea to steep for 5 to 6 minutes. (Steep tea longer for a stronger tea.)
Meanwhile, add an additional 12 cups of water and a pinch of baking soda to a gallon pitcher.
Remove the tea bags from the saucepot, gently squeezing to remove the excess tea. Discard the tea bags.
In the saucepan, add the sugar and stir until completely blended.
Pour the tea into the gallon-sized pitcher with the water. Stir to combine.
Cover the pitcher and refrigerate. Best if refrigerated overnight.
Tips for the Best Results
- Use filtered water for the best flavor.
- Adjust the amount of sugar to suit your preference for sweetness.
- For a stronger tea flavor, steep the tea bags for a longer time.
- Serve the ice tea over ice cubes for an extra refreshing touch.
- Garnish with lemon slices for added zest, if desired.
- Enjoy this refreshing tea recipe on a hot day as is or with creamer.
- The most important thing to remember when steeping the tea is that you need to give it at least 5 minutes for a good steep.
For more great summer beverage recipes ideas
- Peach Iced Tea. This delicious peach tea recipe is both refreshing and tasty.
- Strawberry Iced Tea - One of my favorite versions of iced t4ea.
- Easy Homemade Strawberry Lemonade - If you are a lemonade lover, you will love this refreshing twist.
- Starbucks Dragon Drink - Sweet mango and dragonfruit flavors with creamy coconut milk.
- Watermelon Agua Fresca - A refreshing and thirst-quenching drink made from fresh watermelon. SO GOOD!
- Honeydew Agua Fresca - Another variation on a summer melon drink that is so easy to make.
- Mint Simple Syrup - a great addition to tea or as a flavored water.
Substitutions and Variations
- Use brown sugar or liquid sweetener as alternatives to white sugar.
- Experiment with different flavors of tea bags for unique variations.
- If this tea has too much sugar for you, try using less sugar or a sugar alternative like agave syrup.
- You can use black tea bags if you like caffeine. Otherwise, you can use herbal tea bags.
- Mix your sweet tea with homemade lemonade to make your own Arnold Palmer.
FAQs About This Recipe
Can I make unsweet tea instead?
Yes, you can make unsweetened tea if you prefer your tea without added sugar. You can also adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding simple syrup or liquid sweetener.
How long will the sweet tea last in the refrigerator?
It's best to consume the sweet tea within a few days for optimal freshness, although it may last up to a week if stored properly in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
Are there any alternatives to using regular sugar?
Yes, you can substitute brown sugar, agave syrup, or a liquid sweetener for healthier alternatives.
Can I make a smaller batch of sweet tea?
Absolutely! Simply adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly to suit your needs.
More great beverage recipes
- Jameson Whiskey Sour
- Strawberry Iced Tea
- Frozen Mango Margarita
- Peach Jello Shots
📖 Recipe
Sweet Tea Recipe
Raquel Pineira
A delicious and refreshing copycat McDonald's Sweet Tea.
4.98 from 35 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 2 minutes mins
Course beverages, Drink
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 145 kcal
Ingredients
- 16 cups filtered water divided
- 3 family-sized tea bags
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- Pinch baking soda
Instructions
1. Place 4 cups of water in a large saucepan over high heat. Bring to a boil.
2. Remove the saucepan from heat and add the tea bags. Cover and allow the tea to steep for 5 to 6 minutes. (Steep longer for a stronger tea.)
3. Meanwhile, add an additional 12 cups of water and a pinch of baking soda to a gallon-sized pitcher.
4. Remove tea bags from saucepot, gently squeezing to remove the excess tea. Discard the tea bags.
5. To the saucepan, add the sugar and stir until completely blended.
6. Pour the tea into the gallon-sized pitcher with the water. Stir to combine.
7.Cover the pitcher and refrigerate. Best if refrigerated overnight.
Nutrition
Calories: 145kcalCarbohydrates: 37gSodium: 24mgPotassium: 1mgSugar: 37gCalcium: 15mgIron: 1mg
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About Raquel
Southern California mom who blogs about time-saving recipes, entertaining and party ideas.
Reader Interactions
Comments
Tamara
Oh, my! I was never one for tea, but there is something about sweet tea in the summer. My mom always has a pitcher going and it's so comforting.
Reply
Raquel
Yes, I agree tea is so comforting!
Reply
Ann
This looks absolutely delicious🙌🏻 I’d luv to invite you to share it with us over at Charming Homes and Gardens Wednesday - Sunday https://www.dabblinganddecorating.com/single-post/2020/05/24/DIY-Outdoor-Grilling-Station
Reply
Raquel
Thanks so much Ann!
Reply