McDonald’s Sweet Tea Copycat Recipe

Make McDonald’s Sweet Tea at home with this easy copycat recipe! Refreshing, perfectly sweet, and budget-friendly—just like the classic Southern drink you love.

If you love McDonald’s famous sweet tea, you’re not alone—it’s a refreshing Southern favorite that pairs perfectly with any meal.

Now you can make this iconic drink at home with simple ingredients and a fraction of the cost. This McDonald’s Sweet Tea Copycat Recipe is smooth, perfectly sweetened, and ice-cold—just like the one you’d order at the drive-thru.

Whether you’re serving it at a family barbecue, enjoying it on the porch, or keeping a pitcher ready in the fridge, this recipe delivers the same nostalgic taste you crave.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Authentic flavor – tastes just like McDonald’s sweet tea.
• Budget-friendly – make a whole pitcher for the price of one cup.
• Simple ingredients – black tea, sugar, and water—nothing fancy needed.
• Perfect for any occasion – cookouts, parties, or just an everyday drink.

McDonald’s Sweet Tea Ingredients

• Water – Fresh, cold water forms the refreshing tea base.
• Tea Bags, Black – Strong black tea bags deliver bold, classic flavor.
• Baking Soda – Small pinch reduces bitterness, creating smooth taste.
• Granulated Sugar – Adds signature sweetness for authentic McDonald’s tea.
• Honey – Natural sweetener option, enhances flavor with richness.
• Lemon Juice – Freshly squeezed lemon brightens tea with zest.

How To Make McDonald’s Sweet Tea

Step One: Place the water, tea bags, and baking soda in your Instant Pot. Place the lid on and seal it. Set the manual high pressure for 4 minutes. Let it naturally release.

Step Two: Then add the sugar, lemon juice, and honey. our over ice and let it refrigerate until it’s cold.

McDonald’s Sweet Tea Copycat Recipe Tips

• Use fresh tea bags – Stick with quality black tea bags for the most authentic flavor. Avoid old or stale tea bags, which can make the tea bitter.
• Add baking soda – Just a pinch helps cut any bitterness and keeps the tea smooth.
• Sweeten while warm – Always dissolve sugar (or honey) into hot tea so it blends evenly without sinking to the bottom.
• Chill before serving – Let the tea cool fully in the fridge for the classic McDonald’s iced tea taste.
• Adjust sweetness – McDonald’s tea is very sweet, but you can reduce the sugar for a lighter version.
• Add lemon or mint – A squeeze of lemon juice or fresh mint gives a refreshing twist.
• Serve over lots of ice – The restaurant version is always poured over a full cup of ice for maximum refreshment.

Storing Instructions

Store leftover sweet tea in a sealed pitcher or airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 5–7 days.

McDonald’s Sweet Tea Copycat Recipe Faqs

Can I make this sweet tea ahead of time? Yes! You can brew the tea and sweeten it in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and serve over ice when ready.

Can I use honey instead of sugar? Absolutely! Honey works as a natural sweetener, though it may slightly change the flavor compared to classic McDonald’s sweet tea.

How do I prevent my tea from being bitter? Use fresh black tea bags and add a small pinch of baking soda while brewing to cut any bitterness.

Can I adjust the sweetness? Yes! You can reduce or increase the sugar or honey to suit your taste preferences.

Can I make this tea caffeine-free? You can use decaffeinated black tea, though the flavor may be slightly different from the original.

How long does homemade sweet tea last? Stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for 5–7 days.

More Copycat McDonald’s Recipes

Ninja Creami McDonald’s Chocolate Milkshake

Ninja Creami McDonald’s Strawberry Milkshake

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