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McDonald's Sweet Tea Copycat – Drinks and Smoothie Recipes

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.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Keywords: Drinks and Smoothie Recipes, Healthy Tea Recipes, recipe drinks, recipe smoothie, recipes and drinks, recipes smoothie, smoothie recipes
Servings: 8 cups
Author: Eleanor

Ingredients

  • 4 cups water
  • 2 cups cold water
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 black tea bags (family-size)

Instructions

  1. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan.
  2. Remove from heat and steep the tea bags for 10 minutes.
  3. Take out the tea bags and stir in the sugar until completely dissolved.
  4. Add 2 cups of cold water and stir again.
  5. Refrigerate the tea until it's nice and cold.
  6. Serve over lots of ice. Sweet relaxation achieved.