Raising Cane’s Sweet Tea Recipe

I love tea and always enjoy trying new and special recipes, but when I tried Raising Cane’s Sweet Tea Recipe, I was hooked! It was unlike any tea I had ever tasted—smooth, sweet, and just the right amount of flavor.

I immediately wanted to learn how to make it at home. After a little experimenting, I finally figured out the perfect combination of ingredients and steps to recreate that delicious taste right in my own kitchen.

Now, whenever I’m in the mood for a refreshing drink, this Raising Cane’s sweet tea recipe is my go-to. If you love sweet tea, trust me, this one will become a favorite!
If you haven’t tried it yet, I suggest you give it a try!

What Is Raising Cane’s Sweet Tea Recipe?

Raising Cane’s sweet tea is a classic Southern-style sweet tea with a smooth, rich taste. It’s made with black tea, sugar, water, and a secret ingredient that sets it unique– baking soda.

The baking soda helps cut any bitterness from the tea, creating a smooth and delicious drink perfect for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Raising Cane’s Sweet Tea Recipe

1. Simple Ingredients: You only need four basic ingredients to make this sweet tea.
2. Quick to Make: The preparation takes just a few minutes, though chilling is key for the best taste.
3. Refreshing and Delicious: Perfect for hot days or any time you want a flavorful drink.
4. Budget-Friendly: Skip buying tea and make a large batch at home for less.

What Is in Raising Cane’s Sweet Tea Recipe?

1. Water: 8 cups of water, boiled to steep the tea.
2. Black Tea Bags: 2 family-size tea bags, such as Luzianne, known for its strong yet smooth flavor.
3. Granulated Sugar: ½ cup to add the perfect sweetness.
4. Baking Soda: ⅛ teaspoon to smooth out the tea’s flavor.
5. Ice: Crushed or Cube Ice. Enough to fill glasses when serving, keeping the tea chilled and refreshing.

Raising Cane’s Sweet Tea Recipe Substitutions

If you don’t have the exact ingredients, here are some easy swaps:

1. Tea Bags: Use any black tea you have on hand. Just adjust the steeping time for stronger or milder tea.
2. Sugar: Swap granulated sugar with honey, agave syrup, or a sugar substitute like stevia for a lower-calorie option.
3. Baking Soda: This ingredient is key for smooth tea, but you can skip it if you don’t mind a slight tang.

Kitchen Appliances

• Large Saucepan: For boiling the water and steeping the tea.
• Measuring Spoons and Cups: To measure ingredients accurately.
• Pitcher: For chilling and serving the tea.
• Stirring Spoon: To mix the sugar and baking soda.

How to Make Raising Cane’s Sweet Tea

Step 1 | Boil Water

In a large saucepan, bring 8 cups of water to a boil.

Step 2 | Steep Tea

Remove the pan from the heat, add the tea bags, and let them steep for 5 minutes.

Step 3 | Sweeten the Tea

Discard the tea bags. Stir in ½ cup sugar and ⅛ teaspoon baking soda until fully dissolved.

Step 4 | Chill the Tea

Pour the tea into a pitcher and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.

Step 5 | Serve

Fill glasses with ice, pour the chilled tea over the ice, and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Don’t Over-Steep: Letting the tea steep longer than 5 minutes can make it bitter.

Adjust Sweetness: Taste the tea after adding sugar. Add more if you like it sweeter.

Serve Fresh: This tea tastes best when served fresh and cold.

Creative Variations and Flavorful Additions

1. Lemon Twist: If you love a little citrus flavor, add a slice of fresh lemon to your glass of tea. It gives a bright, zesty kick that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the tea. You can even squeeze the lemon into the tea for extra tang.
2. Minty Fresh: For a refreshing touch, drop a few fresh mint leaves into your tea. Gently press the leaves with a spoon to release their flavor. The mint adds a cooling effect that’s perfect for hot summer days.
3. Unsweetened Option: If you prefer a less sweet drink, you can skip the sugar entirely. This will give you a classic black tea taste. It’s still smooth and delicious, thanks to the baking soda, but without the added sweetness.

Perfect Ways to Serve Raising Cane’s Sweet Tea

Here are some great ways to enjoy it:

1. With Your Favorite Southern Meals: Pair this tea with classic comfort foods like fried chicken, Egg rolls, or homemade biscuits. Its sweet, smooth flavor balances out savory and spicy dishes beautifully.
2. Refreshing Afternoon Drink: Serve it as a midday pick-me-up on a hot day. Pour the tea into a tall glass filled with crushed ice, and garnish with a lemon slice or mint sprig for a café-style touch.
3. For Special Gatherings: Whether it’s a casual picnic or a family dinner, serve this tea in large pitchers with extra ice on the side. Add a variety of garnishes like lime slices or frozen berries to let everyone customize their drink.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store leftover tea in the fridge in a covered pitcher for up to 3 days.
• No Ice in Storage: Avoid adding ice to the pitcher; it will water down the tea. Add ice only when serving.
• Shake Before Serving: Stir or shake the pitcher to redistribute any settled sugar.

Raising Canes Sweet Tea FAQs

1. How long can I store homemade sweet tea?

Homemade sweet tea stays fresh for 3-4 days when refrigerated properly. Always use a clean, sealed container and store in the coldest part of your refrigerator. Check for any changes in smell or taste before consuming.

2. Why add baking soda to sweet tea?

Baking soda helps reduce the tea’s natural cloudiness and softens the tannins, creating a smoother, less bitter taste. It’s a secret trick used by many Southern tea makers to achieve that perfect, clear sweet tea.

3. Can I use different tea bags?

Absolutely! While Luzianne is traditional, you can use Lipton, Community Coffee, or any family-size black tea bags. Each brand might slightly alter the flavor, so experiment to find your favorite.

4. How do I make the tea less sweet?

Reduce the sugar to ⅓ or ¼ cup instead of ½ cup. You can also use a sugar substitute like stevia for a lower-calorie option. Always taste and adjust to your preference.

5. Is it necessary to use family-size tea bags?

Family-size tea bags provide stronger flavor and are more convenient. If using regular-sized bags, you’ll need 4-5 bags to achieve the same strength. Adjust steeping time accordingly.

6. Can I make this tea ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the tea up to 2-3 days in advance. Store in the refrigerator and give it a good stir before serving. The flavor actually improves after sitting for a day.

7. What’s the purpose of steeping for exactly 5 minutes?

Five minutes is the sweet spot for extracting perfect tea flavor without becoming bitter. Longer steeping can make the tea taste tannic and unpleasant.

8. Can I make this recipe without baking soda?

You can skip the baking soda, but it helps create a smoother, clearer tea. The taste will be slightly different, and the tea might appear cloudier.

9. How can I make a large batch for a party?

Simply double or triple the recipe. Use a large pot and maintain the same proportions. Prepare in advance and chill in a big pitcher or beverage dispenser.

Continue to Content

Yield: 6 servings (about 8-ounce glasses)

Raising Cane’s Sweet Tea Recipe

Print

Raising Cane’s Sweet Tea is a refreshing blend of black tea, sugar, and a hint of baking soda for smoothness, served chilled over ice. Perfectly sweet and satisfying!

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes

Additional Time 2 hours

Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients

• Water: 8 cups of water, boiled to steep the tea.
• Black Tea Bags: 2 family-size tea bags, such as Luzianne, known for its strong yet smooth flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: ½ cup to add the perfect sweetness.
• Baking Soda: ⅛ teaspoon to smooth out the tea’s flavor.
• Ice: Crushed or Cube Ice. Enough to fill glasses when serving, keeping the tea chilled and refreshing.

Instructions

Step 1 | Boil Water
In a large saucepan, bring 8 cups of water to a boil.

Step 2 | Steep Tea
Remove the pan from the heat, add the tea bags, and let them steep for 5 minutes.

Step 3 | Sweeten the Tea
Discard the tea bags. Stir in ½ cup sugar and ⅛ teaspoon baking soda until fully dissolved.

Step 4 | Chill the Tea
Pour the tea into a pitcher and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.

Step 5 | Serve
Fill glasses with ice, pour the chilled tea over the ice, and enjoy!

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

6

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 64Carbohydrates: 16gSugar: 16g

Did you make this recipe?

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Conclusion

There you have it – the ultimate Raising Canes sweet tea recipe that’ll become your new summer staple! This isn’t just a drink; it’s a little piece of Southern hospitality in a glass.

I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and experience the magic of homemade sweet tea. Don’t forget to share your cooking adventure and let us know how it turns out!

Feeling inspired? Grab those tea bags and get brewing! And hey, if you love this recipe, make sure to follow us on Pinterest for more delicious culinary adventures.