Copycat Chick-fil-A Sweet Tea Recipe You Can Make at Home

on

Copycat Chick-fil-A Sweet Tea Recipe (Easy Southern-Style Iced Tea)

If you’ve ever pulled away from the Chick-fil-A drive-thru with a big cup of their sweet tea, you know it’s more than just a drink. It’s cold, smooth, and perfectly sweet—like summer in a cup. Today I’m sharing my copycat Chick-fil-A sweet tea recipe, made for home kitchens with simple ingredients and no special equipment. It’s budget-friendly, easy to whip up in big batches, and tastes amazingly close to the original.

A Little Background: Why Chick-fil-A Sweet Tea Is So Iconic

Chick-fil-A started as a small family restaurant in the South, and you can taste that Southern influence in their menu—especially their sweet tea. Sweet tea is almost a love language in the South. It’s more than just iced tea with sugar. It’s:
  • Bold and smooth from strong black tea
  • Silky-sweet, with sugar fully dissolved, not gritty
  • Ice-cold and refreshing, the kind that frosts the outside of your glass
  • Comforting and familiar, like something Grandma would serve on the porch
This recipe is inspired by that classic flavor, but it’s made at home with easy grocery store ingredients. We’re not using their real formula (we don’t know it!), but we’re getting very close in taste and feel.

Copycat Chick-fil-A Sweet Tea: Overview

  • Servings: About 8 servings (8 oz each)
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Steep/Chill Time: 1–2 hours
  • Total Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes (mostly hands-off)
Approximate Nutrition per 8 oz serving: (Will vary slightly based on sugar and tea brands.)
  • Calories: ~90
  • Carbohydrates: ~24g
  • Sugar: ~24g
  • Fat: 0g
  • Protein: 0g
  • Sodium: 0–5mg
This is a sweet treat, not a “diet” drink, so think of it the same way you’d think of soda or lemonade.

Ingredients for Homemade Chick-fil-A Style Sweet Tea

Here’s what you’ll need to make a pitcher of this copycat Chick-fil-A sweet tea at home:
  • 8 cups water, divided (2 cups hot + 6 cups cold)
  • 6–8 regular-sized black tea bags (Luzianne, Lipton, or Tetley work great; Luzianne is very “Southern”)
  • 1 to 1¼ cups granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 1/8 teaspoon baking soda (optional but recommended)
  • Ice for serving
  • Lemon wedges for garnish (optional)
Why baking soda? Just a tiny pinch smooths out any bitterness and gives the tea that mellow, rounded flavor. You won’t taste it, but you’ll notice the difference.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Copycat Chick-fil-A Sweet Tea

Homemade copycat Chick-fil-A sweet tea served over ice in a glass, classic Southern-style iced tea
This homemade copycat Chick-fil-A sweet tea is smooth, perfectly sweet, and refreshing—just like the drive-thru favorite

This method is simple. We’ll make a sweet tea concentrate first, then add cold water and chill.

Step 1: Heat the Water

1. In a medium saucepan or a large heat-safe measuring cup, bring 2 cups of water close to a simmer.
2. You don’t need a full rolling boil. You just want it very hot, with small bubbles starting to form around the edges.
Food safety note: Water this hot helps reduce any risk from bacteria and makes sure your sugar fully dissolves.

Step 2: Add the Tea Bags

3. Remove the hot water from the heat.
4. Add your 6–8 black tea bags.
5. Gently push them down with a spoon so they are fully submerged.
Tip: If you like stronger tea similar to restaurant-style, use 8 tea bags. For a lighter flavor, use 6.

Step 3: Steep the Tea

6. Cover the pot or measuring cup with a lid or a plate.
7. Let the tea bags steep for 10–15 minutes. If you prefer:
  • Stronger, bolder tea: Steep 15 minutes.
  • Milder tea: Steep around 8–10 minutes.
Avoid squeezing the bags later, as that can add bitterness.

Step 4: Add the Sugar and Baking Soda

8. Carefully remove the tea bags and discard them. Don’t squeeze them; just let the extra liquid drip off.
9. While the tea is still very hot, stir in:
  • 1 to 1¼ cups granulated sugar
  • 1/8 teaspoon baking soda (optional)
10. Stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved and the baking soda is fully mixed in. This is your sweet tea concentrate. It should smell rich and sweet, with a deep amber color.

Step 5: Add Cold Water

11. Pour the tea concentrate into a large pitcher (at least 2 quarts).
12. Add 6 cups of cold water to the pitcher.
13. Stir to combine. Taste a small spoonful at this point. This is your chance to:
  • Add a bit more sugar if you like it sweeter.
  • Add a splash more water if you want it lighter.

Step 6: Chill the Tea

14. Place the pitcher in the refrigerator for at least 1–2 hours, or until completely cold.
15. For the best flavor, let it chill at least 4 hours. The taste settles and smooths out over time.

Step 7: Serve Over Ice

16. Fill a glass all the way to the top with ice.
17. Pour the cold sweet tea over the ice.
18. Garnish with a lemon wedge, if desired.
Enjoy immediately. That first sip should be cold, sweet, and very refreshing—very close to Chick-fil-A’s sweet tea.

Food Safety Tips for Homemade Sweet Tea

Even though this is a cold drink, a few simple steps keep it safe and fresh:
  • Use hot water: Start with nearly boiling water to brew the tea.
  • Refrigerate promptly: Once you’ve added cold water, place the pitcher in the fridge within 1 hour.
  • Store cold: Keep sweet tea refrigerated at or below 40°F.
  • Use within 3–4 days: For best taste and safety, don’t keep homemade sweet tea longer than 4 days.
  • Clean equipment: Wash your pitcher and utensils with hot, soapy water before making tea.

Simple Variations & Time-Saving Tips

Sometimes you just want to make things even easier. Here are a few shortcuts and options that still taste great.

Super-Easy Version (Using the Microwave)

If you don’t want to use the stovetop:
1. Microwave 2 cups of water in a large, microwave-safe measuring cup until very hot (about 3–5 minutes).
2. Add your tea bags, cover with a plate, and steep as usual.
3. Stir in sugar and baking soda while hot.
4. Pour into a pitcher, add cold water, chill, and serve.

Sun Tea-Style (Use With Caution)

Traditional “sun tea” is made by placing tea bags in water at room temperature and letting it sit in the sun. This can look pretty, but it doesn’t get hot enough to kill bacteria, so it’s not recommended for food safety. If you like that slow-brew flavor:
  • Brew with hot water first (for safety).
  • Then chill the tea and serve it in a clear pitcher in the sun for a pretty presentation, not for brewing.

Make a Big Batch for Parties

For a crowd, simply double or triple the recipe:
  • For 1 gallon of sweet tea (16 servings), use:
    • 16 cups water total (4 cups hot + 12 cups cold)
    • 12–16 tea bags
    • 2–2½ cups sugar
    • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
Use a large drink dispenser or a clean cooler with a spout for serving.

Flavor Twists: Make It Your Own

Want to keep that Chick-fil-A style but add your own flair? Try these ideas:
  • Half & Half (Sweet Tea + Lemonade): Mix equal parts sweet tea and lemonade for a refreshing “Arnold Palmer”-style drink.
  • Peach Sweet Tea: Stir in a few tablespoons of peach syrup or muddle fresh, very ripe peaches and strain into the tea.
  • Mint Sweet Tea: Add a small handful of fresh mint leaves to the hot tea while it steeps. Remove before chilling.
  • Stronger “Drive-Thru” Style: Use 8 tea bags and 1¼ cups sugar for a bold, sweet flavor similar to restaurant sweet tea.

Allergies, Sensitivities & Preferences

The good news: this copycat Chick-fil-A sweet tea is naturally free from many common allergens.
  • Gluten-Free: Black tea and plain sugar are typically gluten-free. Just double-check flavored teas if you experiment.
  • Dairy-Free: No milk or cream here—this drink is naturally dairy-free.
  • Vegan: Regular granulated sugar is often vegan, but if you’re strict, look for brands labeled “organic” or “vegan certified.”
  • Nut-Free: No nuts in this recipe.

Lower Sugar or Sugar-Free Options

If you love the flavor but want to cut back on sugar, you have options. Just keep in mind: it won’t taste exactly like Chick-fil-A’s version.
  • Half-Sugar, Half-Sweetener: Use ½ cup sugar + ½ cup of a zero-calorie sweetener that measures like sugar.
  • All Sweetener: Skip the sugar and use your favorite sweetener (like stevia, monk fruit, or a blend) to taste.
  • Unsweet Iced Tea: Skip the sugar entirely and enjoy it as cold black iced tea.
When using artificial or zero-calorie sweeteners, add them little by little, tasting as you go. They are often sweeter than sugar.

Serving Ideas: When to Make This Copycat Chick-fil-A Sweet Tea

This drink fits so many moments. I love keeping a pitcher in the fridge when:
  • We’re grilling burgers or chicken outside
  • Family is coming over for Sunday dinner
  • The kids have friends over and want something special that isn’t soda
  • I’m meal-prepping for the week and want a fun drink on hand
Pour it into mason jars with ice and lemon slices, and it instantly feels like a backyard picnic.

Frequently Asked Questions

How close does this taste to Chick-fil-A sweet tea?
It’s not exact (since we don’t know their real recipe), but it’s very similar in sweetness, strength, and smoothness. Using black tea (like Luzianne or Lipton), plenty of sugar, and that tiny pinch of baking soda are the key steps.

How long does homemade sweet tea last in the fridge?
For best flavor and safety, drink it within 3–4 days. Always keep it refrigerated.

Can I use decaf tea?
Yes. Just swap in decaf black tea bags. The flavor is a bit softer, but still very good.

Can I warm it back up?
You can, but this recipe is designed as iced sweet tea. Warming it might make it taste a little flatter or more bitter. If you want hot tea, brew it fresh and sweeten to taste.

Try It and Share Your Version!

If you’re craving that restaurant-style sweet tea without leaving home, this copycat Chick-fil-A sweet tea is a great place to start. It’s simple, cheap to make, and easy to adjust to your perfect level of sweetness. I’d love to hear from you:
  • Did you try this recipe?
  • Did you tweak the sugar, add lemon, or try a flavor twist?
Tell us in the comments how it turned out, and feel free to share this recipe with a friend who always orders sweet tea at the drive-thru. The more people sipping homemade sweet tea on their porch, the better.

Important Disclaimers

This recipe is a homemade copycat-style version created for educational and entertainment purposes. We do not have access to Chick-fil-A’s proprietary recipes, processes, or ingredients. No affiliation, endorsement, or sponsorship by Chick-fil-A is implied. All trademarks and names mentioned belong to their respective owners.
Simply Copycat Recipes is an Amazon Associate and may earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you if you buy through our affiliate links. We only recommend tools and ingredients we personally use or believe can help you in your kitchen.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

Comments

Post a Comment