Chick-fil-A Iced Tea Recipe (Copycat)

Water: The base of the tea, essential for brewing and diluting the tea concentrate.

Black tea family-size tea bags: These larger tea bags are perfect for making a strong tea concentrate.

Baking soda: Helps to neutralize any bitterness in the tea, ensuring a smooth flavor.

Sugar: Optional, for those who prefer their tea sweetened.

To enhance the flavor of your iced tea, consider using filtered water instead of tap water. This can help eliminate any impurities or off-flavors that might affect the taste. Additionally, when adding sugar, make sure it is fully dissolved by stirring it into the hot tea before adding the remaining cold water. This ensures a smooth and consistent sweetness throughout the beverage.

• water - Substitute with coconut water: Adds a subtle sweetness and a hint of tropical flavor.

• black tea family-size tea bags - Substitute with green tea bags: Provides a lighter, more delicate flavor and is rich in antioxidants.

• baking soda - Substitute with lemon juice: Helps to neutralize any bitterness from the tea, similar to baking soda.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Adds a natural sweetness and a slight floral note.

• To keep your Chick-fil-A Iced Tea fresh and flavorful, store it in an airtight container. A glass pitcher with a lid works wonders, but a plastic container will do the trick too.

• Place the container in the refrigerator. The iced tea will stay fresh for up to a week, but for the best taste, aim to consume it within 3-4 days.

• If you prefer your iced tea sweetened, consider adding the sugar just before serving. This prevents the sugar from settling at the bottom and ensures a consistent sweetness throughout.

• For those who love a bit of lemon in their tea, add fresh lemon slices just before serving. This keeps the lemon flavor vibrant and prevents it from becoming bitter over time.

• If you find yourself with more iced tea than you can drink, freezing is an option. Pour the tea into ice cube trays and freeze. Once frozen, transfer the tea cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container. These tea cubes can be used to chill your iced tea without diluting it.

• When you're ready to enjoy your iced tea, simply thaw the tea cubes in the refrigerator or add them directly to your glass for an instant chill.

• For a fun twist, try freezing fruit slices like strawberries, peaches, or berries in the tea cubes. This not only adds a burst of flavor but also makes for a visually appealing drink.

• Remember to label your containers with the date you made the iced tea. This helps you keep track of its freshness and ensures you always enjoy the best-tasting tea.

• Pour the iced tea into a microwave-safe container, ensuring it's not too full to avoid spills.
• Heat in the microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking every 30 seconds to avoid overheating.
• Alternatively, pour the iced tea into a small pot and warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until it reaches the desired temperature.
• If you prefer a quicker method, use an electric kettle with a temperature control setting, heating the iced tea to around 160°F (70°C) for a perfectly warm beverage.
• For a more traditional approach, place the iced tea in a heatproof glass and immerse it in a bowl of hot water, allowing it to warm gradually.

• Pot: Used to boil the initial 2 cups of water.

• Stove: Necessary for heating the water to a boil.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure the 8 cups of water and ½ cup of sugar.

• Teaspoon: Used to measure the ⅛ teaspoon of baking soda.

• Pitcher: Used to hold the final iced tea mixture.

• Spoon: Used to stir the sugar into the tea until it dissolves.

• Refrigerator: Used to chill the iced tea before serving.

Boil water in advance: Boil extra water earlier in the day and store it in the fridge to save time.

Use an electric kettle: An electric kettle heats water faster than a stovetop pot.

Steep multiple batches: Steep multiple tea bags at once to have a ready supply for future use.

Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out the baking soda and sugar ahead of time.

Use a pitcher with a lid: A lidded pitcher allows you to shake the mixture instead of stirring, saving time.