Texas Roadhouse Sweet Tea Recipe

Every time I sit down at Texas Roadhouse, I can’t resist ordering their sweet tea. It’s smooth, sweet, and ice-cold—just the way I like it. Unlike some sweet teas that turn out bitter or overly sugary, theirs always has the right balance. 

After craving it at home one too many times, I decided to try making my own version. To my surprise, it’s not hard at all, and with a few small tricks, I can get that same refreshing taste right in my kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Copycat Texas Roadhouse Sweet Tea Recipe

I love this sweet tea recipe because it’s incredibly simple but tastes just like the one I order at Texas Roadhouse. It uses only a few ingredients, yet the result is smooth and refreshing. There’s no bitterness, and the sweetness is just right—not too heavy, not too light. I like that I can adjust the sugar to my taste and even add lemon or mint when I want something extra. 

Another reason I enjoy making it at home is how much cheaper it is compared to bottled tea or buying it out. Plus, there’s nothing better than serving a big pitcher of this with dinner and watching everyone ask for seconds.

Texas Roadhouse Sweet Tea Ingredients 

What I like about this recipe is how little it takes to make a big pitcher. Most of the ingredients are already in my pantry, and I can put everything together in minutes. The real secret is using good-quality black tea bags and making sure the sugar dissolves completely while the tea is still hot. Here’s what I use:

• 8 cups water, divided
• 6 black tea bags (I usually use Luzianne or Lipton)
• 1 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 pinch baking soda (optional, to reduce bitterness)
• Lemon slices or fresh mint leaves for serving (optional)
• Ice cubes, for serving

How to Make Texas Roadhouse Sweet Tea (Step-by-Step Instructions)

Making this Texas Roadhouse-style sweet tea is easy, but I’ve learned a few tricks along the way that make a big difference in flavor. Here’s exactly how I prepare it at home:

• Boil the water – I start by bringing 4 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan. The rest of the water I keep aside for later.
• Steep the tea – Once the water is boiling, I remove it from heat and drop in the tea bags. I cover the pan and let them steep for about 10 minutes. This gives the tea a strong flavor without turning it bitter.
• Add the sugar – While the tea is still hot, I stir in the sugar until it dissolves completely. Adding sugar at this stage makes sure the sweetness blends smoothly into the tea.
• Mix with cold water – I pour the sweet tea concentrate into a large pitcher, then add the remaining 4 cups of cold water. This cools it down and balances the flavor.
• Optional step: baking soda – Sometimes I add a tiny pinch of baking soda. It doesn’t change the taste, but it softens the bitterness that black tea can sometimes have.
• Chill and serve – I refrigerate the pitcher for at least an hour so it gets nice and cold. When it’s time to serve, I pour it over ice and add a slice of lemon or a sprig of mint for extra freshness.

Tip: If I’m in a rush, I just use extra ice to cool it down faster, but letting it chill in the fridge makes the tea smoother.

Also read - Texas Roadhouse Sweet Potato Recipe

Texas Roadhouse Sweet Tea Serving Suggestions

I don’t think there’s just one right way to enjoy sweet tea—it’s so versatile. At home, I’ve tried it in all sorts of ways, and each time it feels a little different but always refreshing. Here are my favorite ways to serve it:

• Classic over ice – I fill a tall glass with ice, pour in the sweet tea, and add a lemon wedge. This simple version is the closest to what I get at Texas Roadhouse.
• With Southern meals – I love pairing it with fried chicken, barbecue, or even steak. The sweetness balances out the savory flavors perfectly.
• Minty twist – On hot days, I drop in a couple of fresh mint leaves. It gives the tea a cool, refreshing edge that I really enjoy.
• Fruity spin – Sometimes I add a slice of orange, peach, or even a few raspberries to the glass. It makes the tea feel fancier without much effort.
• Party pitcher – When I’m hosting, I serve a big chilled pitcher of sweet tea with lemon slices floating on top. It looks inviting and disappears quickly.

Also read - Texas Roadhouse Tartar Sauce Recipe

Tips to Make Best Texas Roadhouse Sweet Tea

Over the years of trying to copy this recipe, I’ve found a few tricks that make it taste even closer to the restaurant version:

• Steeping time matters: Don’t over-steep the tea bags or the flavor will get too sharp. Around 10 minutes is the sweet spot.
• Dissolve the sugar while it’s hot: This keeps the drink smooth instead of grainy.
• Chill before serving: Ice-cold tea tastes closer to the original. If you rush it, you’ll miss that crisp finish.
• Experiment with sweetness: Texas Roadhouse tea is on the sweeter side, but you can always adjust based on your preference.

Final Thoughts

Texas Roadhouse Sweet Tea is one of those simple pleasures that just makes a meal feel complete. With a few ingredients and easy steps, you can bring that same refreshing taste right to your table. I make it often now, especially when I want to treat my family to something special without leaving home.