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How to Make Tea Like McAlister’s: Sweet Tea Copycat Recipe

May 9, 2025

5 Mins Read

McAlister’s Deli uses a special ingredient in their sweet tea recipe – a pinch of baking soda. This simple addition cuts the bitter tannins in black tea and creates that smooth taste we all crave.

The restaurant chain has built a huge following just from their signature beverage.

This guide will walk you through each step to make tea like McAlister’s in your own kitchen. You’ll learn the exact measurements, brewing time, and mixing method to create that restaurant-quality taste without leaving home.

Key Takeaways

• McAlister’s sweet tea recipe uses 6 black tea bags, 1 cup of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of baking soda as key ingredients.
• Baking soda cuts bitter tannins in the tea, creating the smooth taste McAlister’s is famous for.
• Steep tea bags for exactly 10 minutes in hot water, then add 6 cups of cold water to dilute.
• Never squeeze the tea bags when removing them to avoid adding bitter flavors to your brew.
• Chill the tea for at least one hour before serving over ice for the most authentic McAlister’s taste experience.

Ingredients Needed for McAlister’s Sweet Tea Copycat Recipe

Now that you understand why McAlister’s sweet tea stands out from other drinks, let’s gather everything you need to make this refreshing beverage at home. The secret to creating this famous sweet tea lies in using the right ingredients in the correct amounts.

1. Black Tea Bags – You’ll need 6 regular black tea bags. Brands like Lipton or Luzianne work great for this copycat recipe.
2. White Sugar – 1 cup of white sugar creates that signature sweetness McAlister’s fans crave in every sip.
3. Baking Soda – A teaspoon of sodium bicarbonate cuts the bitterness from the tannins in the tea, giving it that smooth taste.
4. Boiling Water – 2 cups of hot water will steep the tea to the perfect strength.
5. Cool Water – 6 cups of cool water dilutes the tea concentrate to the ideal serving strength.
6. Ice Cubes – Plenty of ice keeps your sweet tea perfectly chilled for serving.
7. Lemon Wedges – These make an optional but classic garnish that adds a hint of citrus to your big glass of tea.
8. Large Pitcher – You’ll need a gallon-sized container to mix and store your finished sweet tea.
9. Measuring Cup – Precise measurements help achieve that perfect McAlister’s flavor balance.
10. Stirring Spoon – A long-handled spoon helps dissolve the sugar completely into your brew.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make McAlister’s Sweet Tea

Making McAlister’s sweet tea at home saves money and satisfies your craving for this famous drink. Follow these simple steps to create your own copycat McAlister’s sweet tea that tastes just like the real thing.

1. Fill a large pot with 2 cups of water and bring it to a rolling boil on your stove.
2. Once the water reaches a full boil, turn off the heat completely.
3. Add 6 black tea bags to the hot water. Luzianne tea works great for an authentic flavor.
4. Measure 1 cup of sugar and pour it into the hot tea mixture.
5. Add 1 teaspoon of baking soda to the pot. This secret ingredient cuts bitterness and creates that smooth McAlister’s taste.
6. Stir the mixture until the sugar and baking soda fully dissolve.
7. Allow the tea bags to steep in the mixture for exactly 10 minutes.
8. Remove the tea bags after steeping, making sure not to squeeze them (this prevents bitter flavors).
9. Pour 6 cups of cold water into the tea concentrate and stir well.
10. Transfer your brewed tea to a serving pitcher.
11. Chill the tea in your refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
12. Serve your homemade McAlister’s sweet tea over ice in tall glasses.
13. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges if desired for that perfect finishing touch.

These tips will help you perfect the flavor balance that makes McAlister’s Deli tea so popular nationwide.

Tips for Perfecting the Flavor

Perfect McAlister’s sweet tea depends on brewing strength. You’ll want to steep your teabags longer than usual to create that robust flavor the deli is famous for. Many fans of McAlister’s agree that simple syrup works better than granulated sugar because it mixes evenly without leaving gritty residue at the bottom of your glass.

The amount of sweetness matters too – start with one cup of sugar and adjust up to two cups based on your taste preference.

Fresh garnishes take your copycat recipe to the next level. Lemon slices add a bright citrus note that balances the sweetness, while mint leaves bring a cooling effect perfect for hot summer days.

Always chill your tea thoroughly after mixing all ingredients together. The cold temperature locks in flavors and creates that refreshing quality that makes McAlister’s iced tea so popular.

Next, let’s wrap up what we’ve learned about creating this beloved soft drink at home.

Conclusion

You now have all the secrets to brew sweet tea that rivals McAlister’s famous recipe. That hint of baking soda makes all the difference in creating a smooth, less bitter flavor profile.

With just six tea bags, some sugar, and a few minutes of your time, you’ll save money while enjoying this Southern classic at home. Give this copycat recipe a try next time you crave that perfect glass of sweet tea.

Your taste buds and wallet will thank you for mastering this simple yet delicious drink.

FAQs

1. What makes McAlister’s sweet tea so special?

McAlister’s sweet tea stands out because of its perfect balance of sweetness and tea flavor. The deli uses a special brewing method and the right amount of sugar to create their famous drink that fans crave. Many believe they have a contract with Lipton for their tea leaves.

2. How much sugar should I use for a copycat McAlister’s sweet tea recipe?

For an 8-cup batch, use 1 cup of sugar. If making a larger 5-gallon batch for a party, you’ll need to adjust the sugar amount accordingly.

3. Can I make McAlister’s tea in a coffee pot?

Yes! A coffee pot works well for brewing the tea bags. Just make sure to clean it thoroughly first to avoid any coffee taste in your sweet tea.

4. Should I let the tea bubble when making it?

Let the water come to a gentle bubble before adding tea bags, but don’t boil it too hard. Overboiling can make the tea bitter instead of smooth like McAlister’s.

5. Is unsweet tea available at McAlister’s Deli?

McAlister’s offers both sweet and unsweet tea options. Their unsweet tea provides a refreshing alternative that pairs nicely with their sandwiches and muffins.

References

1. https://cooked.wiki/new/recent/c1df3570-55eb-4ab3-8d0e-f46d495db5e8
2. https://www.passionforsavings.com/southern-sweet-tea-recipe-mcalisters-deli-copy-cat/
3. https://www.newsbreak.com/charles-1735298/3948482485186-recreated-mcalister-s-sweet-tea-at-home-smooth-bold-and-perfectly-sweet
4. https://www.twopinkpeonies.com/copycat-mcalisters-sweet-tea/