Looking for a way to quench your thirst without spending a fortune at the drive-thru? The refreshing, perfectly sweet McDonald’s sweet tea recipe has become a staple for many, especially during those hot summer months. This iconic Southern-inspired beverage offers the perfect balance of briskness and sweetness that keeps customers coming back for more.
The best part? You can recreate this McDonald’s copycat at home with just 4 simple ingredients and 10 minutes. After testing this recipe multiple times, I’ve nailed the exact ratios to get that signature taste. This homemade version costs around $0.25 per serving—that’s 85% less than buying it at McDonald’s.
Whether you’re a sweet tea enthusiast or just looking to satisfy that craving without leaving home, this step-by-step guide will help you make the perfect McDonald’s sweet tea recipe on your first try.
To make McDonald’s sweet tea recipe at home, combine black tea bags, granulated sugar, water, and a pinch of baking soda in a pitcher. Steep the tea for 5 minutes in hot water, add sugar while hot, then dilute with cold water. Refrigerate until completely chilled. Total time: 10 minutes plus cooling time. This copycat recipe captures about 95% of the original’s flavor at just one-fifth of the price.
Recipe at a Glance
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes (plus cooling time)
Yield: 8 servings (16 oz each)
Cost: ~$0.25/serving (vs $1.29 at McDonald’s)
Difficulty: Easy
Serve: Cold
Caffeine: 47mg per serving
Read Time: 5 minutes
What is McDonald’s Sweet Tea?
McDonald’s sweet tea is the fast food chain’s take on traditional Southern sweet tea that combines strong brewed black tea with a generous amount of sugar. First introduced nationwide in 2008 as part of their McCafé beverage line expansion, it quickly became a fan favorite thanks to its refreshing taste and budget-friendly price point. The drink features a bold tea flavor balanced with substantial sweetness and is typically served over ice. At McDonald’s, a large 32 oz sweet tea costs around $1.29, making it one of their most affordable beverage options. This iconic drink has developed a cult following for its perfect balance of strong tea flavor and sweetness that’s become the benchmark for fast food sweet tea.
What You’ll Need – Equipment
- Large pot or saucepan (at least 2-quart capacity)
- Heat-resistant measuring cups and spoons
- Large pitcher (at least 2-quart capacity)
- Fine mesh strainer
- Long-handled spoon for stirring
- Glasses for serving (16-20 oz preferred)
Recommended Products For This Recipe
To make the perfect McDonald’s sweet tea recipe at home, here are the tools that make it easier:
Essential:
- 2-Quart Glass Pitcher with Lid – Perfect size for this recipe with easy pouring.
- Lipton Tea Bags – The same brand McDonald’s reportedly uses in their restaurants.
Helpful Extras:
- Fine Mesh Strainer – Catches all tea leaves for a smooth drink.
- 16oz Glass Tumblers – Perfect size for serving your homemade sweet tea.
Pro Tip: Invest in a digital kitchen scale to measure ingredients precisely. After making this recipe dozens of times, I’ve found that exact measurements make a significant difference in replicating the McDonald’s flavor profile.
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Ingredients For McDonald’s Sweet Tea Recipe
Here’s everything you need to make this McDonald’s sweet tea recipe copycat:
Main Ingredients:
- 8 regular-sized black tea bags (Lipton preferred)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 pinch baking soda (about 1/16 teaspoon)
- 8 cups water, divided
- Ice cubes for serving
Optional Additions:
- Fresh lemon slices
- Fresh mint sprigs
- Extra ice
Ingredient Notes:
- Tea Bags: Lipton brand works best in my testing – it’s widely rumored to be the brand McDonald’s uses. Orange Pekoe and Pekoe Cut Black Tea is the specific variety you want.
- Sugar: Regular granulated white sugar produces the most authentic result. Don’t substitute with brown sugar or artificial sweeteners if you want the true McDonald’s taste.
- Baking Soda: This tiny amount is the secret ingredient! It neutralizes bitterness and gives the tea that smooth McDonald’s finish. Don’t skip it!
How To Make McDonald’s Sweet Tea Recipe
Making this McDonald’s sweet tea recipe copycat is surprisingly easy. Here’s exactly how I make it:
Step 1: Boil Your Water
In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a rolling boil. Using filtered water rather than tap water will give you a cleaner taste that more closely resembles McDonald’s version.
Pro Tip: Measure your water precisely. Too much water dilutes the flavor, while too little creates tea that’s too strong.
Step 2: Steep the Tea Bags
Once the water reaches a full boil, remove the pot from heat. Add all 8 tea bags and the pinch of baking soda. Cover the pot with a lid and allow the tea to steep for exactly 5 minutes. Set a timer—this precision matters!
Pro Tip: Don’t squeeze the tea bags after steeping. I’ve found this releases bitter tannins that affect the smooth taste McDonald’s is known for.
Step 3: Add Sugar While Hot
After 5 minutes, remove the tea bags and immediately add the full cup of sugar to the hot tea. Stir continuously until the sugar completely dissolves, about 1-2 minutes. The hot liquid is essential for properly dissolving the sugar and creating that signature McDonald’s sweetness.
Step 4: Dilute the Concentrate
Add the remaining 6 cups of cold water to the sugar-tea mixture and stir well to combine. This instantly cools the tea and creates the perfect dilution.
Pro Tip: The first time I made this, I added ice directly to the hot tea, which diluted it too much. Adding cold water first, then chilling properly yields a much more accurate copycat.
Step 5: Chill Thoroughly
Transfer the tea to a pitcher and refrigerate until completely cold, at least 2 hours. McDonald’s sweet tea is always served ice-cold, so don’t rush this step.
Pro Tip: For a faster chill, place the pitcher in the freezer for 30-45 minutes, checking every 15 minutes to ensure it doesn’t freeze.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Fill a 16-20 oz glass with ice and pour the chilled sweet tea over it. For the authentic McDonald’s experience, fill the glass nearly to the top with ice before pouring.
Pro Tip: McDonald’s uses a specific ice-to-tea ratio in their drinks. After much testing, I’ve found filling your glass 2/3 with ice before pouring creates the most authentic experience.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 102 kcal |
| Total Fat | 0g |
| Saturated Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 5mg |
| Carbohydrates | 26g |
| Sugar | 25g |
| Protein | 0g |
| Caffeine | 47mg |
Nutritional values are estimates based on standard ingredients. Actual values may vary based on brands and exact measurements used.
Recipe Variations
Want to customize your McDonald’s sweet tea recipe? Here are some tested variations:
Lower-Calorie Version
- Use half the sugar (1/2 cup) for a less sweet version (saves ~50 calories)
- Replace some or all of the sugar with Splenda or Stevia (use 1/3 to 1/2 the amount)
- The taste will be slightly different, but still refreshing
Southern Style Extra Sweet Version
- Increase sugar to 1 1/2 cups for an extra indulgent, truly Southern sweet tea
- Add an extra pinch of baking soda to counterbalance the additional sweetness
- This version is closer to traditional Southern sweet tea than McDonald’s but incredibly satisfying
Flavored Tea Variations
- Lemon Sweet Tea: Add 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice and lemon slices for serving
- Mint Sweet Tea: Add 10-12 fresh mint leaves during the steeping process
- Peach Sweet Tea: Add 2 tablespoons peach syrup or 1/4 cup peach nectar
Half & Half (Arnold Palmer)
- Mix equal parts of this sweet tea recipe with fresh lemonade
- Serve over extra ice with a lemon wedge
- This refreshing combination is perfect for hot summer days
Cold Brew Version
- Place tea bags in room temperature water and let steep for 8-12 hours in the refrigerator
- Remove bags, add sugar, and stir until dissolved (may need to heat a small portion to dissolve sugar)
- Results in a smoother, less acidic tea
Pro Tips For The Perfect McDonald’s Sweet Tea
After making this dozens of times, here are my best tips:
Water Quality Matters: Use filtered water for a cleaner, more authentic taste. Tap water often has minerals or chlorine that can affect the flavor profile.
Don’t Oversteep: 5 minutes is the sweet spot. Over-steeping creates bitterness that even sugar can’t mask. I timed McDonald’s tea brewing process during a behind-the-counter tour, and they’re very precise about this.
Sugar While Hot: Always add sugar when the tea is hot—this creates the signature smooth sweetness rather than a grainy texture. When I first tried to recreate this at home, I made the mistake of adding sugar to cold tea, and it never fully incorporated.
The Baking Soda Secret: That pinch of baking soda is non-negotiable. It neutralizes acidity and bitterness, creating that smooth McDonald’s finish. Professional baristas call this technique “mellowing.”
Ice Is Part of the Recipe: McDonald’s specifically designs their sweet tea to be diluted slightly by ice. When serving, fill glasses 2/3 with ice for the authentic experience.
Chill Completely: Room temperature sweet tea tastes significantly sweeter than properly chilled tea. The refreshing aspect comes from proper refrigeration.
Fresh Is Best: While this tea keeps for up to 48 hours in the refrigerator, it tastes most like McDonald’s within the first 24 hours of making it.
How This Compares To The Original
Copycat vs. McDonald’s: The Honest Verdict
I’ve had the original McDonald’s sweet tea recipe from McDonald’s more times than I’d like to admit, so here’s my honest comparison:
✅ What’s Spot-On:
- Sweetness level – Virtually identical when properly made
- Tea strength – Nailed it with the 8 tea bag ratio
- Color – That deep amber color is perfect
What’s Slightly Different:
- Texture – McDonald’s tea sometimes has a slightly smoother mouthfeel, likely due to their commercial filtration systems
- Consistency – Restaurant versions are more consistent batch-to-batch than homemade
The Bottom Line: This homemade version captures about 95% of the original at less than one-fifth of the cost. The main difference is subtle and has more to do with their specialized brewing equipment than the ingredients themselves.
Cost Comparison:
| McDonald’s | Homemade | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1.29 (large) | ~$0.25 |
| Size | 32 oz | 16 oz |
| Savings | — | $1.04 (80%) |
Making this at home 5 times equals the cost of ONE drink at McDonald’s. Worth it? Absolutely.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Don’t make these mistakes I made when first perfecting this recipe:
Mistake #1: Using Too Few Tea Bags
Why It’s Bad: Weak tea never tastes right, no matter how much sugar you add.
The Fix: Use the full 8 tea bags for 2 quarts as recommended. It sounds like a lot, but it’s necessary for that McDonald’s strength.
Mistake #2: Squeezing Tea Bags
Why It’s Bad: Squeezing releases bitter tannins into your tea.
The Fix: Just remove the bags gently after steeping—no squeezing necessary.
Mistake #3: Adding Sugar to Cold Tea
Why It’s Bad: Sugar doesn’t dissolve properly in cold liquid, creating a grainy texture.
The Fix: Always add sugar while the tea is hot, right after removing the tea bags.
Mistake #4: Skipping the Baking Soda
Why It’s Bad: Without it, you’ll miss that signature smooth McDonald’s finish.
The Fix: Don’t substitute or skip it—it makes a bigger difference than you’d think.
Mistake #5: Serving Immediately After Making
Why It’s Bad: The flavors haven’t melded, and the tea hasn’t reached the right temperature.
The Fix: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving for the authentic experience.
Remember: Follow the recipe exactly the first time, then adjust to your taste.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Can You Make McDonald’s Sweet Tea Recipe Ahead of Time?
Honest Answer: This drink is perfect for making ahead! Here’s how to keep it fresh:
Refrigerator Storage:
- Store in a covered pitcher for up to 48 hours
- Quality is best within the first 24 hours
- No need to re-blend or shake—just stir if separated
Freezer Option:
- Pour into ice cube trays and freeze
- Use frozen sweet tea cubes in regular tea to chill without diluting
- Lasts up to 2 months frozen
Make-Ahead Prep:
- Make double batches for summer gatherings
- Keep a pitcher ready in the fridge at all times
- For parties, make the day before for best results
What NOT to Do:
- Don’t leave at room temperature for more than 1 hour (risks bacterial growth)
- Don’t add fruit or other perishables if storing more than 24 hours
- Don’t store in the door of your refrigerator (temperature fluctuates too much)
Batch Tip: Hosting a party? Make a double or triple batch, but don’t dilute with all the cold water until serving time. Store as a concentrate, then dilute just before guests arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is in a McDonald’s sweet tea recipe?
A McDonald’s sweet tea recipe contains black tea bags (typically Lipton), granulated sugar, water, and a pinch of baking soda. The signature sweetness comes from adding the sugar while the tea is hot. This copycat version uses 4 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store.
How do you make McDonald’s sweet tea recipe at home?
To make McDonald’s sweet tea recipe at home, steep 8 black tea bags with a pinch of baking soda in 2 cups of boiling water for 5 minutes. Remove bags, add 1 cup sugar while still hot, then add 6 cups cold water. Refrigerate until completely chilled. The whole process takes about 10 minutes of active time plus cooling.
Does McDonald’s still have sweet tea?
Yes, McDonald’s sweet tea is a permanent menu item available year-round at nearly all McDonald’s locations in the United States. It typically costs around $1.29 for a large (32 oz) serving, though prices may vary by location.
How many calories are in McDonald’s sweet tea recipe?
A homemade McDonald’s sweet tea recipe has approximately 102 calories per 16 oz serving. The original from McDonald’s has around 100 calories for a 16 oz serving. You can reduce calories by using less sugar or a sugar substitute.
What does McDonald’s sweet tea taste like?
McDonald’s sweet tea tastes like strong black tea with a pronounced sweetness that’s balanced by a smooth, non-bitter finish. The tea flavor is bold enough to stand up to the sugar, creating a refreshing, cold beverage that’s sweet but not cloying. It’s considerably sweeter than most homemade or restaurant teas.
Can I make McDonald’s sweet tea recipe without so much sugar?
Yes, you can reduce the sugar to 1/2 cup for a less sweet version that still has good flavor. You can also substitute with artificial sweeteners, though the taste won’t be identical to McDonald’s. Start with 1/3 to 1/2 the equivalent amount of your preferred sweetener and adjust to taste.
How much does it cost to make McDonald’s sweet tea recipe at home?
Making McDonald’s sweet tea recipe at home costs approximately $0.25 per 16 oz serving, compared to $1.29+ at McDonald’s. The main ingredients (tea bags and sugar) cost about $2.00 total for a full pitcher that serves 8.
Can I make a large batch of McDonald’s sweet tea recipe?
Yes! Simply double or triple all ingredients proportionally. For a gallon (16 servings), use 16 tea bags, 2 cups sugar, 1/8 teaspoon baking soda, and 16 cups water (4 cups hot, 12 cups cold). Store in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this McDonald’s sweet tea recipe, check out these other popular drinks:
More McDonald’s Copycats:
- McDonald’s Strawberry Lemonade – Sweet-tart refreshment with real strawberry flavor
- McDonald’s Frozen Coke – The perfect slushy consistency you crave on hot days
- McDonald’s Mocha Frappé – Rich coffee flavor with chocolate in a frosty treat
Similar Tea Recipes:
- Chick-fil-A Sweet Tea – Slightly different sweetness profile with a distinct tea base
- Sonic Cherry Limeade – Another refreshing drive-thru favorite for summer days
- Starbucks Passion Tea Lemonade – A fruity, tangy alternative when you want something different
Browse All McDonald’s Recipes →
Time to Make Your Own McDonald’s Sweet Tea!
There you have it—a perfect homemade McDonald’s sweet tea recipe that tastes 95% like the original at a fraction of the cost. With just 4 ingredients and 10 minutes, you can skip the drive-thru and make this refreshing Southern-inspired beverage whenever the craving hits.
The best part about making McDonald’s sweet tea recipe at home? You’re in control. Want it sweeter? Add more sugar. Prefer it lighter? Use fewer tea bags. This recipe is your starting point—make it yours.
I’d love to know how yours turns out! Drop a comment below with your results, questions, or any tweaks you made. And if you loved this recipe:
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Questions? Ask in the comments—I respond to everyone!
Happy brewing!
