Are you a fan of McAlister’s and their absolutely amazing sweet tea?! I know that I am. There is just something extra special about their sweet tea. To me, it’s sweet and very smooth. There’s nothing better than a sweet tea on a hot day or if you need a little afternoon pick me up. This copycat McAlister’s sweet tea isn’t your run of the mill copycat recipe, there’s a secret ingredient! I really think if you add the secret ingredient you’ll notice a big difference in this recipe versus just regular sweet tea.
What is the secret ingredient?!
The secret ingredient is baking soda. This actually a vintage tip from the 50s and 60s. It is thought that baking soda will help with the tannins in the tea and also make it less bitter. I think that adding baking soda makes for a way smoother tea. A little will go a long way, so don’t add too much.
What else do I need to make this sweet tea?
To make this copycat sweet tea, you will need black tea bags, white sugar, and baking soda. Just three easy ingredients that you probably already have at home. Any type of regular black tea should do (the box should just say black tea). You will also need a measuring cup, a pot to boil water in, and a large spoon.
How do I make this recipe?
To make this sweet tea, begin by boiling two cups of water. Once the water comes to a boil add the tea bags, turn the heat off, and then move it to an empty burner to cool. Gently stir in ¾ cup of white sugar and ¼ teaspoon baking soda (be careful not to add more than ¼ teaspoon or it will be too much). Stir until the sugar and baking soda dissolve. Again, do not overdo the baking soda. Let the teabags steep for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, add 6 more cups of cool water. Stir well and add to a pitcher. Serve over ice and with a lemon wedge, if desired.
Other McAlister’s Copycat Recipes:
Copycat McAlister’s Sweet Tea
Equipment
- Tea pitcher
- Large spoon
- Pot
- Measuring cup
Ingredients
- 6 black tea bags
- 2 cups boiling water
- ¾ cup white sugar
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda do not add more than ¼ teaspoon
- 6 cups cool water
Optional
- ice
- lemon wedge
Instructions
- Begin by boiling two cups of water in a pot.
- Once the water comes to a boil add the tea bags, turn the heat off, and then move it to an empty burner to cool.
- Gently stir in ¾ cup of white sugar and ¼ teaspoon baking soda (be careful not to add more than ¼ teaspoon or it will be too much).
- Stir until the sugar and baking soda dissolve. Again, do not overdo the baking soda. Let the teabags steep for 10 minutes.
- After 10 minutes, add 6 more cups of cool water. Stir well and add to a pitcher.
- Serve over ice and with a lemon wedge, if desired.
Dolores says
I just want to know if the first recipe is used for a 2 quart pitcher or do I double it T I A we love it ❤️
Audrey says
The recipe yields 8 cups which will be 2 quarts. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Pat DeDear says
Do you use family size tea bags or regular sized ones?
Audrey says
Hi Pat, I just used regular tea bags.
Ronda Ward says
Curious! The recipe calls for 6 cups of water. Im wondering if theres a typo. Directions say use 2 cups of water to make the tea. Later you add another 6 cups of water. So.. 8 cups ?
Thank you
Audrey says
Hi Ronda, you are correct. 8 cups total.
Kerstie says
Wow! Tastes exactly like McAlisters tea!!! Thank you so much!
Audrey says
I am so glad you liked the recipe. Thank you for leaving a review!
Ethan says
I love it and my gf likes it. But she says it is less sweet then McAlister lol, still amazing recipe though
Audrey says
Thank you so much for taking time to leave a review! 🙂
Cary says
Thanks so much for the recipe; it’s awesome! Question: If you double the recipe, I’m assuming you double everything…even the baking soda?
Audrey says
Hi Cary, yes if you are doubling you can double the baking soda. Just make sure it dissolves well 🙂
Harper says
Any particular brand of tea bag?
Audrey says
I just used a generic store brand. Any brand will work 🙂
Jenn says
Does this call for individual or family-size teabags?
Two Pink Peonies says
Hi Jenn, for this recipe use the individual bags.
Victor Gonzalez says
My wife makes this tea without some of these ingredients. I am liking this one better haha. I’ll give her the recipe.
Holly says
If you haven’t had McAlisters tea, you don’t know what you’re missing. Try this recipe pronto!