Texas Roadhouse Sweet Tea Recipe
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.
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.