Sweet Tea from McDonald's features a refreshing blend of brewed black tea sweetened with just the right amount of sugar, served chilled over ice for a crisp, smooth, and invigorating taste perfect for any time of day.
Equipments
- Commercial tea brewer
- Pitcher or large beverage dispenser
- Stirring spoon
- Measuring cup
- Iced tea brewing filter
- Sugar dispenser
- Ice scooper
- Ice bin
- Cups (plastic or paper)
- Straw dispenser
- Lid dispenser
Ingredients
- 2 family-size black tea bags
- 1 gallon (3.8 L) filtered water
- 1 to 1½ cups granulated sugar
- Ice
- 4 black tea bags (or equivalent loose-leaf black tea)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 8 cups water
- Ice cubes
Using high-quality black tea bags or loose-leaf black tea ensures a robust flavor that closely matches McDonald's Sweet Tea. Filtered water is essential to maintain the purity and clarity of the tea's taste. Adjust the amount of granulated sugar from 1 to 1 1/2 cups per gallon to achieve your preferred level of sweetness without overpowering the tea's natural notes. Brew the tea with ice cubes on hand to serve the sweet tea chilled and perfectly refreshing. You can replicate McDonald's Sweet Tea at home by steeping 4 black tea bags in 8 cups of water, stirring in 1 cup of sugar, and serving over ice for an authentic copycat experience.
Instructions
- Fill the commercial tea brewer with 1 gallon (3.8 L) of filtered water.
- Place 2 family-size black tea bags (or 4 regular tea bags) in the iced tea brewing filter.
- Brew the tea according to the machine's instructions.
- While tea is hot, pour it into a clean pitcher or large beverage dispenser.
- Add 1 to 1½ cups granulated sugar to the hot tea.
- Stir well with a stirring spoon until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Allow the tea to cool to room temperature or refrigerate until chilled.
- Fill a cup with ice using the ice scooper from the ice bin.
- Dispense the chilled sweet tea into the cup over ice.
- Place a lid on the cup and insert a straw from the straw dispenser.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
Sweet Tea from McDonald's copycat menu replicates the iconic beverage with a perfect balance of robust black tea and just the right sweetness, chilled over ice for maximum refreshment. If you don't have a commercial tea brewer, a large pot or heatproof pitcher can serve to steep your tea bags effectively. When adjusting sweetness, start with 1 cup of sugar per gallon and increase to taste, as sugar levels can vary based on personal preference. Using filtered water enhances the clarity and flavor of the tea, ensuring a crisp finish similar to the original. You can substitute granulated sugar with honey or agave syrup, but this may alter the flavor profile slightly.
Tips
Ensure you dissolve the sugar completely while the tea is still hot to avoid grainy texture in your Sweet Tea. Use filtered water in the commercial tea brewer for the cleanest flavor and avoid any bitter aftertaste. When brewing, steep the tea bags properly but do not overbrew, as it can cause the tea to become excessively strong or bitter. Your ice should be fresh and free of odors to maintain the tea's crisp, refreshing taste.
Nutritions
Sweet Tea from McDonald's contains brewed black tea and a significant amount of granulated sugar, making it a source of both antioxidants and simple carbohydrates. Each gallon includes 1 to 1 1/2 cups of sugar, which contributes to its sweet flavor but also increases calorie content, typically providing around 200 calories per 16-ounce serving. The black tea provides some antioxidants like polyphenols, which may support heart health, but the high sugar content can impact blood glucose levels if consumed excessively. Your choice of Sweet Tea fits well as a flavorful, refreshing beverage but should be enjoyed in moderation due to its sugar load.
Storage
Store brewed sweet tea in a clean, airtight beverage dispenser or pitcher refrigerated at or below 40degF (4degC) to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Avoid prolonged room temperature storage to preserve the tea's flavor profile and safety. When ready to serve, pour over ice to keep the tea chilled and refreshing for your customers.
Variation or Alternatives
You can vary the sweetness of your McDonald's-style sweet tea by adjusting the sugar amount to suit your taste or substituting honey for a natural alternative. To enhance flavor complexity, try steeping the black tea with a few fresh mint leaves or a slice of lemon during brewing. For a bolder brew, increase the steeping time or use loose-leaf black tea instead of tea bags. Experimenting with ice quantity can also affect the dilution and overall refreshment level of your sweet tea.
Allergies
Sweet Tea from McDonald's contains black tea and granulated sugar, which are generally safe but may pose allergy risks for individuals sensitive to tea components or sugar substitutes. People with caffeine sensitivity should monitor intake as black tea naturally contains caffeine. Your allergies and sensitivities should be considered when consuming this beverage to avoid potential adverse reactions.
Why this recipe?
McDonald's Sweet Tea menu is popular for its perfect balance of sweetness and refreshing iced tea flavor, making it a favorite choice especially in warm climates. The tea uses high-quality brewed tea and just the right amount of sugar, creating a smooth and satisfying beverage that complements any meal. You can recreate this popular drink at home with simple ingredients, saving money while enjoying a taste that rivals the fast-food classic. Trying the copycat recipe is worth it to enjoy a customizable, delicious refreshment anytime you want.