Who doesn’t love Sonic’s sweet tea? It’s the perfect balance of sugar and smooth tea, making it an irresistible Southern staple.
I’ve always been a fan of this refreshing drink, and after many attempts in my kitchen, I’m thrilled to share this spot-on Sonic Sweet Tea Recipe with you.
Whether it’s for a summer BBQ or just to satisfy your iced tea cravings, this recipe is simple, delicious, and doesn’t require any special equipment.
Let me walk you through the steps to recreate this iconic drink, so you can enjoy that Sonic vibe anytime at home!
Sonic Sweet Tea Recipe
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (for brewing the tea)
- Cuisine: Southern
- Course: Beverage
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Yield: 8 servings
- Calories Per Serving: 90 calories
Ingredients
- 6 black tea bags (you can use any brand, but I prefer Lipton or Luzianne)
- 8 cups of water
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar (for that authentic Sonic sweetness)
- Ice cubes (as much as needed)
- Optional: fresh lemon slices, peach slices, or a few sprigs of mint for garnishing
Instructions
Step 1: Brew The Tea
- Start by bringing 8 cups of water to a boil in a large pot or kettle.
- Once boiling, remove from heat and add the 6 black tea bags. Cover the pot and let the tea steep for 5-10 minutes. The longer you steep, the stronger the tea will be.
Pro tip: If you want a twist, swap out one or two black tea bags for fruit-flavored tea bags like peach or wild berry for extra flavor.
Step 2: Sweeten The Tea
- While the tea is still warm, add the sugar. Stir until it’s completely dissolved. This step is key for getting that signature Southern sweet tea flavor Sonic is known for.
Tip: If you like your tea less sweet, start with 1 cup of sugar and adjust to taste.
Step 3: Chill The Tea
- After the sugar dissolves, remove the tea bags and let the tea cool down for a bit at room temperature.
- Once it’s cool, transfer the tea to a pitcher and pop it in the fridge to chill completely.
Step 4: Serve Over Ice
- When ready to serve, fill your glasses with ice and pour the tea over. For that authentic Sonic experience, use crushed ice if you can (it really makes a difference!).
- Garnish with a lemon wedge, a peach slice, or even a sprig of mint if you’re feeling fancy.
Tips And Variations
- Switch Up The Flavors: Love fruity tea? Add a few peach or raspberry tea bags along with the black tea for a refreshing twist. You can even add a splash of fruit juice like peach iced tea or wild berry for extra flavor.
- Make It A Cocktail: Feeling adventurous? Add a shot of bourbon to your glass for a grown-up version of Sonic’s sweet tea. It’s a perfect twist for parties!
- Storage Tip: If you have leftovers (which I doubt!), store the tea in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the sugar ratio the same to ensure the tea remains sweet, even when chilled.
Serving Suggestions
This sweet tea pairs wonderfully with classic Southern dishes like fried chicken, barbecue ribs, or a simple sandwich. I personally love serving it with a wedge of lemon or peach slices to add a fresh, summery vibe.
If you’re looking for a Southern dessert pairing, try serving it alongside pecan pie or peach cobbler—there’s no better way to enjoy a relaxing afternoon!
Conclusion
And there you have it—your very own Sonic Sweet Tea, made right at home! It’s refreshing, simple, and perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re whipping it up for a crowd or just enjoying a glass by yourself, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out. I’d love to hear your tips or any fun variations you come up with!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Is Sonic So Famous?
Sonic is known for its retro drive-in experience and a wide variety of unique drinks, including their legendary sweet tea. Their crushed ice and customizable flavors (like adding peach, wild berry, or lemon) make them stand out.
What Kind Of Tea Does Sonic Make?
Sonic primarily serves Southern-style sweet tea, brewed with black tea bags and sweetened generously with sugar. They often offer flavor variations like peach tea or raspberry tea as well.
Can You Buy A Gallon Of Tea From Sonic?
Yes! Sonic sells gallons of their sweet tea (and other drinks) so you can enjoy it at home without having to brew it yourself. However, with this recipe, you can easily recreate it without making a special trip!
Sonic Sweet Tea Recipe You Can Make At Home
Ingredients
- 6 black tea bags you can use any brand, but I prefer Lipton or Luzianne
- 8 cups of water
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar for that authentic Sonic sweetness
- Ice cubes as much as needed
- Optional: fresh lemon slices peach slices, or a few sprigs of mint for garnishing
Instructions
Step 1: Brew The Tea
- Start by bringing 8 cups of water to a boil in a large pot or kettle.
- Once boiling, remove from heat and add the 6 black tea bags. Cover the pot and let the tea steep for 5-10 minutes. The longer you steep, the stronger the tea will be.
Step 2: Sweeten The Tea
- While the tea is still warm, add the sugar. Stir until it’s completely dissolved. This step is key for getting that signature Southern sweet tea flavor Sonic is known for.
Step 3: Chill The Tea
- After the sugar dissolves, remove the tea bags and let the tea cool down for a bit at room temperature.
- Once it’s cool, transfer the tea to a pitcher and pop it in the fridge to chill completely.
Step 4: Serve Over Ice
- When ready to serve, fill your glasses with ice and pour the tea over. For that authentic Sonic experience, use crushed ice if you can (it really makes a difference!).
- Garnish with a lemon wedge, a peach slice, or even a sprig of mint if you’re feeling fancy.
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