Bojangles' Sweet Tea from Bojangles features a refreshing blend of premium brewed black tea sweetened with just the right amount of sugar, served ice-cold to deliver a perfectly balanced, crisp, and thirst-quenching beverage.
Equipments
- Commercial tea brewer or large tea kettle
- Large food-grade container or pitcher
- Stirring spoon
- Measuring cup
- Ice maker or ice bin
- Serving cups
- Sugar scoop or measuring spoon
Ingredients
- 1 gallon (3.8L) water
- 10-12 black tea bags (family size)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- Ice
- 1 gallon water
- 14 regular-size black tea bags (or equivalent loose leaf black tea)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- Ice
You should use high-quality black tea bags or loose leaf tea to achieve the authentic robust flavor found in Bojangles' Sweet Tea. Using precisely 2 cups of granulated sugar per gallon of brewed tea ensures the perfect balance of sweetness. Brew the tea with 1 gallon (3.8L) of water at the right temperature to extract optimal flavor and avoid bitterness. Keep the tea ice-cold by adding plenty of ice before serving to maintain its refreshing, thirst-quenching quality. The Bojangles' Sweet Tea copycat recipe captures the signature taste by combining premium brewed black tea with the ideal sweetness and chilling it thoroughly.
Instructions
- Fill commercial tea brewer or large kettle with 1 gallon (3.8L) water.
- Heat water to near boiling.
- Add 10-12 family-size black tea bags (or 14 regular-size tea bags/loose leaf equivalent).
- Steep tea bags for 5-10 minutes.
- Remove tea bags, gently pressing out liquid.
- Add 2 cups granulated sugar to hot tea.
- Stir thoroughly until sugar is fully dissolved.
- Pour sweetened tea into a large food-grade container or pitcher.
- Add enough ice to cool the tea and reach the one-gallon final volume.
- Stir to mix and chill evenly.
- Serve over ice in serving cups.
Substitution
Bojangles' Sweet Tea from Bojangles copycat recipes allow you to recreate the iconic southern-style sweet tea with a perfectly balanced sweetness and robust black tea flavor. If commercial tea brewers are unavailable, a large tea kettle or pot works well for steeping the tea bags. When using loose leaf tea, approximately 3 tablespoons can substitute for the 14 regular-size tea bags mentioned in the recipe. Adjust sugar levels slightly to match your preferred sweetness, as sugar granules dissolve better when added to hot brewed tea before chilling. For best results, always serve the tea ice-cold in clear cups to showcase its rich amber color and refreshing clarity--a signature element of Bojangles' Sweet Tea you want to replicate for your enjoyment.
Tips
Make sure the water reaches near boiling before adding the tea bags to extract maximum flavor without bitterness. Steeping the tea for 5 to 10 minutes carefully balances strength; over-steeping can result in a bitter taste. Fully dissolve the 2 cups of granulated sugar while the tea is hot to ensure even sweetness throughout. When adding ice, use enough to bring the tea volume to one gallon, chilling it properly without diluting the sweetness excessively in your final serving.
Nutritions
Bojangles' Sweet Tea contains black tea brewed with 2 cups of granulated sugar per gallon, resulting in a high sugar content that contributes significant calories but no fat or protein. Black tea itself is rich in antioxidants such as flavonoids, promoting heart health and improved metabolism. Your beverage provides hydration with a crisp, sweet flavor profile, though its high sugar level should be considered if monitoring caloric intake. Serving it over ice enhances refreshment while maintaining its nutritional composition.
Storage
Store Bojangles' Sweet Tea in a sealed, food-grade container or pitcher in the refrigerator to maintain its crisp and refreshing flavor. Use within 24-48 hours to ensure optimal taste and prevent spoilage. When serving, add fresh ice cubes to keep your tea chilled and perfectly balanced.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute honey or agave syrup for granulated sugar to create a natural sweetener variation while maintaining the tea's refreshing profile. Instead of using black tea bags, try loose-leaf Assam or Darjeeling tea for a richer and more complex flavor. For a unique twist, infuse the brewed tea with a few sprigs of fresh mint or a thin slice of lemon during steeping to add aromatic notes. To speed up cooling without diluting, chill the brewed tea in the refrigerator before adding ice.
Allergies
Bojangles' Sweet Tea contains black tea and granulated sugar, neither of which are common allergens, but individuals sensitive to caffeine or tannins in tea may experience adverse reactions such as headaches or digestive discomfort. You should also be cautious if you have allergies to specific tea components or any additives that might be present in commercial preparations. Always check ingredient labels for any potential cross-contamination with allergens if you have severe sensitivities.
Why this recipe?
Bojangles' Sweet Tea is beloved for its perfectly balanced sweetness and robust, refreshing flavor that complements their spicy Southern cuisine. The tea uses premium black tea leaves steeped to bold perfection, creating a rich taste that quenches thirst and enhances any meal. Bojangles' signature recipe is a great choice to replicate at home because it delivers the authentic, sweet but not overwhelming flavor that fans crave. Your homemade version will save money while bringing the vibrant taste of a favorite Southern classic right to your kitchen.