Ever taken a sip of McDonald’s sweet tea and felt like summer just kicked back into your mouth? Yeah, me too. That sweet, icy tea has been my road trip companion more times than I can count. So I thought, ‘Why not make it at home—minus the drive-thru delay?’ That’s where this recipe comes in. Now, I know some folks are tea purists and prefer their sweetener on the side. Not here. We’re talking full-on Southern-style sweetness brewed right into the mix. The kind that clinks against the ice, sticks to the glass, and leaves a little sugar smile behind. Whether you’re whipping this up for a backyard hangout or just trying to feel something again on a Tuesday, this sweet tea has your back. It’s one of those Drinks and Smoothie Recipes that keeps you cool, keeps you happy, and keeps you from spending $1.29 every time the craving hits. It’s part of my favorite recipes and drinks collection for a reason—it’s simple, satisfying, and borderline nostalgic. Plus, it fits right in with any recipe smoothie, recipe drinks, or healthy tea recipes list worth sipping through.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy McDonald’s Sweet Tea Copycat Recipe
3) Ingredients for McDonald’s Sweet Tea Copycat
4) How to Make McDonald’s Sweet Tea Copycat
5) Tips for Making McDonald’s Sweet Tea Copycat
6) Making McDonald’s Sweet Tea Copycat Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover McDonald’s Sweet Tea Copycat
8) Try these Drinks next!
9) McDonald’s Sweet Tea Copycat Recipe
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

How do I make sweet tea taste like McDonald’s?
What type of tea bags work best in sweet tea?
Can I control how sweet this recipe turns out?
How long can I store homemade sweet tea in the fridge?

2) Easy McDonald’s Sweet Tea Copycat Recipe

We all have that drink. The one that brings us back to lazy summer afternoons and long drives. For me, it’s McDonald’s sweet tea. This Drinks and Smoothie Recipes favorite has that just-sweet-enough, cool-and-refreshing kick that turns even the most boring day around.

If you’ve got a pot, a spoon, and a little patience, you can make this at home with barely any effort. It’s part of my weekly lineup now, right up there with all my other recipes and drinks that keep life a little more manageable (and a lot more fun). It’s budget-friendly, too. One batch makes enough to keep everyone happy, and you won’t miss paying for a cup every single time.

And while we’re at it, this recipe fits nicely with your recipe smoothie collection, recipe drinks, or even those healthy tea recipes we all swear we’re sticking to this week. Trust me, it belongs in your go-to drinks pile.

3) Ingredients for McDonald’s Sweet Tea Copycat

Water: You’ll need six cups total. Four cups to brew the tea and two to cool it down and stretch it out. Keep it clean and cold if possible.

Black Tea Bags: Stick with the family-size variety. These are classic for Southern tea and give that deep color and smooth tea flavor. I usually go with two bags per batch.

Granulated Sugar: This is where the magic lives. One full cup does the trick for that signature McDonald’s sweetness. It sounds like a lot, but once chilled, the balance feels just right.

Ice (for serving): Not in the mix itself but don’t skip it. The more ice, the better. It adds that refreshing bite and waters the tea down just enough to keep it mellow.

4) How to Make McDonald’s Sweet Tea Copycat

Step 1. Boil four cups of water in a medium pot. Don’t overdo it; once it bubbles, you’re ready to move on.

Step 2. Turn off the heat and drop in two family-size tea bags. Let them steep for ten minutes. Walk away, come back, and enjoy the rich smell of real tea brewing.

Step 3. Remove the bags. Give them a gentle press with a spoon to squeeze out every last drop of flavor. Then discard them.

Step 4. Stir in the sugar while the tea’s still hot. It’ll melt fast. This step locks in the signature sweetness we’re after.

Step 5. Pour in the remaining two cups of cold water. This brings down the temperature quickly and evens out the flavor.

Step 6. Chill it in the fridge. Let it cool completely before serving. I usually give it at least an hour, but longer is better.

Step 7. Serve over a tall glass of ice. Sip slowly or gulp. Either way, it hits the spot.

5) Tips for Making McDonald’s Sweet Tea Copycat

Use good tea bags. Cheap ones can give your drink a bitter bite. I stick with trusted names when I want that clean, deep tea taste. This helps your Drinks and Smoothie Recipes come out like you actually meant to make them.

Stir the sugar in while the tea is hot. Cold tea doesn’t like to dissolve things, and nobody wants a mouthful of granules. This step makes the tea smooth, sweet, and consistent.

Want less sugar? Use three-quarters of a cup instead of one. Want more? Go wild. You’re the boss here. That flexibility makes this recipe a keeper, even if your tastes change through the week.

6) Making McDonald’s Sweet Tea Copycat Ahead of Time

If you’re prepping for guests or just like having a pitcher ready, this sweet tea holds up well in the fridge. It even tastes better the next day when the flavors get a chance to settle in together. I usually make it the night before if I’m expecting company.

You can double or even triple the batch. Just scale everything evenly. I use a big pot and brew the tea strong. That way, when I add extra water at the end, it stays bold but never bitter. It’s great for backyard cookouts or just sitting on the porch doing nothing at all.

Store in a glass container if you can. Plastic can sometimes hang onto flavors from previous things you’ve stored. A glass pitcher keeps it clean and crisp, just the way tea should be.

7) Storing Leftover McDonald’s Sweet Tea Copycat

Leftovers? Perfect. Pour what’s left into a sealed container and stash it in the fridge. It’ll stay good for three to five days. That’s enough time to sip it slowly or go through the whole thing by Tuesday.

If you notice cloudiness, don’t panic. That’s just the tea reacting to cold water. It’s normal and doesn’t affect the taste. Give it a shake and keep drinking. Nothing goes to waste here.

Want to get a little fancy? Freeze some in an ice tray. That way, when you pour the tea later, it doesn’t water down as it melts. Smart move, right? I thought so, too.

8) Try these Drinks next!

9) McDonald’s Sweet Tea Copycat Recipe