Texas Roadhouse Sweet Tea Recipe
If you’ve ever been to Texas Roadhouse, you know their sweet tea is a perfect companion to any meal. This Texas Roadhouse Sweet Tea recipe will show you how to recreate this Southern favorite right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or enjoying a refreshing glass on a hot day, this tea is sure to hit the spot.
What is Texas Roadhouse Sweet Tea? Texas Roadhouse Sweet Tea is a Southern-style iced tea that is perfectly sweetened, making it a refreshing drink option. Known for its robust flavor and smooth, sweet finish, it’s a fan-favorite at the popular Texas Roadhouse restaurant chain. The drink is a simple blend of black tea, sugar, and water, which creates a perfectly balanced sweetness that pairs well with any meal.
Why I Love This Inspired Texas Roadhouse Tea Recipe?
What’s not to love about Texas Roadhouse Sweet Tea? Not only does it bring a little piece of Southern hospitality to your home, but it’s also incredibly easy to make. The combination of the slightly bitter black tea and the generous amount of sugar creates a satisfying, well-rounded flavor. It’s perfect for any occasion whether you’re hosting a BBQ, a family gathering, or simply enjoying a relaxing day.
What Makes Texas Roadhouse Sweet Tea So Good?
The key to the legendary Texas Roadhouse sweet tea lies in balance it’s not too bitter, not too sweet, and has a clean finish. Unlike overly sugary store-bought options, this version highlights the natural strength of black tea while rounding it out with just the right amount of sugar.
Other secrets to their tea:
- Freshly brewed in small batches—no stale, pre-made tea here.
- Served extra cold—often over pellet ice, which makes it even more refreshing.
- Simple ingredients—no additives, just tea, water, and sugar.
Texas Roadhouse Sweet Tea Recipe
Equipment
- Large saucepan for boiling water
- Teapot or heatproof pitcher for brewing the tea
- Measuring spoons and cup for accuracy
- Strainer to remove tea leaves (if using loose leaf tea)
- Pitcher or jar for storing the sweet tea
- Ice cubes for serving
Ingredients
- 8 cups water divided
- 4-6 black tea bags preferably Lipton or another strong brand
- 1 ½ cups sugar adjust to taste
- Ice cubes for serving
- Lemon wedges optional, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Boil the Water
- Start by boiling 4 cups of water in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Once it’s at a rolling boil, remove it from the heat. This step is essential for properly extracting the flavor from the tea bags.
Step 2: Brew the Tea
- Place 4 to 6 black tea bags into the saucepan with the hot water. Let the tea steep for about 5-7 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea. The longer the tea steeps, the stronger and more robust the flavor will be. After steeping, remove the tea bags.
Step 3: Add the Sugar
- While the tea is still warm, add 1 ½ cups of sugar. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. This is a key step in achieving that signature sweetness that Texas Roadhouse is known for.
Step 4: Cool Down and Chill
- Once the sugar has dissolved, add 4 cups of cold water to the tea mixture. Let the tea cool to room temperature, then transfer it to the refrigerator. Chill the tea for at least 2 hours, or until it’s nice and cold.
Step 5: Serve Over Ice
- Once your tea has cooled, pour it over a glass full of ice cubes. For an extra touch, you can garnish with lemon wedges or fresh mint leaves.
Notes
- Chill Time is Key: After making the sweet tea, it’s crucial to let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This ensures the tea is refreshingly cold and the flavors have time to meld together. If you’re planning ahead, feel free to make it the night before!
- Sugar Adjustment: The sweetness of the tea is a major part of its charm, but you can easily adjust it based on your personal preference. If you prefer a less sweet tea, start by using 1 cup of sugar and gradually add more to taste.
- Tea Strength: The strength of your tea will depend on how long you let the tea bags steep. If you like a stronger flavor, let the tea bags steep for an extra minute or two, but be careful not to over-brew, as it could result in bitterness.
- Serving Suggestions: Texas Roadhouse Sweet Tea is versatile and pairs well with a variety of Southern dishes, from fried chicken to barbecue. For extra flavor, garnish with fresh lemon wedges or a sprig of mint.
- Long-Term Storage: If you have any leftover tea, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5-7 days. You can enjoy it chilled or over ice, and the taste may actually improve as it sits!
- Tea Options: While black tea is the traditional choice, you can experiment with other types of tea like green tea or herbal blends for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
- Caffeine Content: Keep in mind that this recipe uses black tea, which contains caffeine. If you’re looking for a caffeine-free version, try using decaffeinated tea bags instead.
Tips for Making Tasty Texas Roadhouse Tea Recipe
- Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer your tea less sweet, reduce the amount of sugar to suit your taste.
- Use filtered water: For the best flavor, use filtered or spring water to avoid any off-tastes from tap water.
- Brew with loose leaf tea: For a more refined flavor, try using loose leaf black tea instead of tea bags.
- Don’t over-brew: Avoid leaving the tea bags in the hot water for too long, as it can make the tea bitter.
- Make it in advance: Texas Roadhouse Sweet Tea tastes even better the next day, so consider making it ahead of time!
Serving Tips for Texas Roadhouse Sweet Tea
- Serve with Southern dishes: This tea pairs perfectly with classic Southern meals like fried chicken, BBQ ribs, or a hearty steak.
- Add a twist: For a fun twist, serve with a splash of lemon or even a few sprigs of mint for extra flavor and fragrance.
- Chill longer: If you’re serving the tea in a large gathering, consider chilling the tea overnight to ensure it’s extra cold.
How to Store and Serve Like a Pro
Storing Your Sweet Tea
- Use a glass pitcher with a lid for best freshness (plastic containers can absorb flavors).
- Keep it refrigerated for up to 7 days.
- Avoid storing with lemon slices already in the pitcher—add them just before serving to prevent bitterness.
Serving Ideas for Special Occasions
Want to serve this tea at a summer BBQ or holiday meal? Try these ideas:
- Party-Ready Pitcher: Fill a pitcher with ice, tea, lemon slices, and fresh mint for a gorgeous presentation.
- Frozen Tea Cubes: Freeze some sweet tea in ice cube trays and use them in drinks to avoid dilution.
- Tea Bar Setup: Let guests customize with flavored syrups, fruit, or herb garnishes.
Flavor Variations You Can Try
This sweet tea is delicious as-is, but it’s also a perfect base for fun flavor twists! Here are some of our favorite mix-in ideas:
Lemon Sweet Tea
Add the juice of 1–2 fresh lemons after brewing and garnish with extra lemon slices. A classic Southern favorite!
Peach Sweet Tea
Steep a few slices of fresh or frozen peach with the tea bags, or stir in a few tablespoons of peach nectar before chilling.
Mint Sweet Tea
Add a handful of fresh mint leaves to the hot tea right after removing the tea bags. Let it steep for 5 minutes for a refreshing, herbal note.
Berry-Infused Tea
Add sliced strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries to the pitcher and let it infuse overnight. Naturally sweet and colorful.
Honey Sweet Tea
Substitute half of the sugar with honey for a smooth, floral flavor that pairs beautifully with the black tea.
Nutrition Fact Table for Texas Roadhouse Tea
| Nutrition | Amount |
| Calories | 100-120 calories |
| Total Fat | 0g |
| Sodium | 0mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 26g |
| Sugars | 26g |
| Protein | 0g |
If you’re looking for the perfect side dish to pair with your Texas Roadhouse Sweet Tea, be sure to check out our Texas Roadhouse Steamed Broccoli Recipe, which makes for a healthy and delicious complement to this sweet and refreshing drink.
Make-Ahead and Batch Tips
This tea is ideal for batch preparation, especially when hosting events or prepping meals for the week.
- Make a double or triple batch by scaling the ingredients use a large stockpot for brewing.
- Store in multiple containers to avoid having to stir a single large batch constantly.
- For meal prep or individual servings, pour into mason jars and refrigerate just grab and go!
Conclusion
Texas Roadhouse Sweet Tea is the perfect addition to any meal or gathering. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can enjoy this refreshing, sweet tea at home. Whether you’re relaxing with family or hosting a big event, this recipe is sure to impress.
FAQs
1. Can I make Texas Roadhouse Sweet Tea without sugar?
You can make unsweetened tea by simply omitting the sugar, but it won’t have the signature sweetness that makes Texas Roadhouse Sweet Tea so popular.
2. How long can I store Texas Roadhouse Sweet Tea?
Store your sweet tea in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5-7 days.
3. Can I make the tea ahead of time?
Yes, making the tea a day in advance allows the flavors to blend even better, giving you a more flavorful drink.
4. What kind of tea bags should I use for this recipe?
Black tea bags, like Lipton or other strong brands, are best for this recipe to achieve the full flavor.
5. Can I add other flavors to the sweet tea?
Absolutely! You can infuse your tea with flavors like mint, peach, or lemon for a unique twist.
6. Can I use cold brew for this recipe?
Yes! For a smoother, less bitter tea, you can cold brew your tea bags in 8 cups of cold water overnight in the fridge. Stir in sugar the next day with a splash of hot water to dissolve it fully.
7. Is there a keto or sugar-free version?
Definitely! Replace the sugar with your favorite keto-friendly sweetener like monk fruit, erythritol, or stevia. Start small and adjust to taste.
