Sweet tea from Chick-fil-A

The sweet tea at Chick-fil-A is loved by many for its balance of sweetness and flavor. The exact recipe of Chick-fil-A’s sweet tea is kept a secret. However, with the right ingredients and technique you can create a version that is very similar at home. It’s easy to make, and once perfected, you can enjoy a sweet, refreshing southern tea all year round.

Ingredients:

• Four to six black tea bags, such as Lipton or Luzianne (or any other black tea strong).
• 1 cup of sugar granules (this is the key to achieving a perfect sweetness level).
• Tea brewing water: 4 cups
• Pour dilute and cool down the tea; use 4 cups of cold tap water.
• Add lemon slices or mint leaves to garnish for extra flavor or decoration.

Instructions:

Step 1: Bring the water to a boil

Bring 4 cups of water up to a rolling boil. This step can be done in a medium saucepan or kettle. For the best flavor, use cold, fresh water. As soon as the water is at a rolling boil, remove it immediately from the heat.

Step 2: Brew your Tea

Add 4 to 6 tea bags (depending on the strength of your tea) to hot water. Typically, 4 tea bags are recommended for a milder taste and up to 6 for a more robust, stronger tea. Allow the tea bags to steep in hot water for approximately 5 minutes. You can steep the tea for up to 2-3 minutes longer if you prefer a stronger tea, but be careful not to overbrew. Remove the tea bags after steeping.

Step 3: Sweeten your tea

Add 1 cup of sugar granules to the tea while it is still warm. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. This step is crucial because the sugar must dissolve in the tea to give it that smooth, sweet finish that Chick-fil-A is famous for. Stir well to prevent any sugar from remaining at the bottom.

Step 4: Cool and Dilute the Tea

Add 4 cups of ice-cold water to the tea once the sugar has dissolved to dilute the flavor to your preferred strength. The tea will also cool off faster. Stir the mixture and allow the tea to reach room temperature.

Step 5: Refrigerate & Serve

Transfer the tea to a large pitcher or container and chill it in the refrigerator for several hours. Pour the tea into glasses with ice once it is cold. Add a lemon slice or fresh mint to the tea for a special touch.

Options:

1. You can adjust the sweetness: If you like a sweeter cup of tea, add more sugar. You can also reduce the amount of sugar in your tea if you prefer a less sweet one.
2. You can flavor sweet tea by adding different herbs or fruits, such as raspberries, peaches or mint leaves, during the cooling process.

Perfecting Your Perfection:

• Use high-quality teabags: The tea’s quality will affect the flavor. For that signature flavor, black tea is necessary. But make sure to use a teabag that’s designed for strong tea.
• Do not overstep the tea bags. This can lead to bitterness, so remove the water from the heat once it reaches boiling point. Add the tea bags after the water has cooled.
• Prepare it in advance: This tea is best enjoyed cold, then make it and store it in the refrigerator. With time, the flavors will blend and improve.

You can make sweet tea at home that is just as delicious as the ones served by Chick-fil-A! This tea will refresh you whether you drink it alone or with a meal.