Raising Cane’s Sweet Iced Tea Recipe

If you have ever tasted sweet iced tea from Raising Cane’s, then you know it is just that-the best drink, smooth and sweet and refreshing. I try to prepare it at home for obvious reasons-it is easy, cheap, and I can enjoy that same restaurant-like flavor anytime I want it. Just a few ingredients, and you’ve got a pitcher ready in a matter of minutes.

What is Raising Cane’s Sweet Iced Tea?

Raising Cane’s sweetened iced tea is Southern sweet iced tea served ice-cold. Black tea, sugar, and lots of ice go into making it with a bold but smooth taste with just the right sweetening. The secret here is in brewing the tea strongly, then balancing it with sugar while it is still boiling, so every sip is perfectly blended. It is the ultimate thirst quencher for hot days or times when you are serving a large group of people.

Ingredients

For the tea:

• 4 family-size black tea bags (or 12 small tea bags)
• 8 cups water (divided)

For the sweetness:

• 1 to 1 ½ cups granulated sugar (adjust to taste)

For serving:

• Ice cubes
• Lemon wedges (optional)

Instructions

1. Boil the water – In a saucepan, bring water to a boil with 4 cups.
2. Steep the tea bags – Once boiling, remove them from the flame. Place the tea bags in and let them steep for 5-7 minutes.
3. Sweeten the tea – Remove the tea bags and stir in sugar until it is dissolved.
4. Add cold water – Pour the concentrate into a jug, adding another 4 cups of cold water. Mix well.
5. Cool and serve – Keep in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving chilled with lemon if desired.

Storage Tips

• Raise Cane’s Sweet Iced Tea may remain in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Store in covered jars to preserve freshness.
• Stir well before serving, especially if sugar settles at the bottom.

Serving Suggestions

• Perfect with fried chicken, BBQing, or sandwiches, a classic.
• Add sprigs of fresh mint or lemon slices for garnish.
• Serve in mason jars for a truly Southern accent.

Pro Tips & Variations

• Less sugar for you? Start with 1 cup of sugar and adjust to your own liking.
• Toss in a sprinkling of baking soda during the brewing phase to mellow out the bitterness.
• Experiment with the fun treatment of using peach syrup or raspberry puree.

FAQs

1. Is it possible to use green tea?

Yes, but such a change will lead to a much lighter flavor that is far less true to traditional tastes.

2. Is it possible to make a sugar-free version?

Just use stevia, monk fruit, or any other sweetener you like instead of sugar.

3. Can you drink it hot?

Certainly, just skip the chilling step and serve it hot.

4. Does this tea have caffeine?

Black tea naturally has caffeine, but if you’d like, you can also use decaf tea bags.

Try It!

This recipe for Raising Cane’s Sweet Iced Tea comes pretty darn close to the one served at Raising Cane’s. Smooth, sweet, and refreshing, this Southern drink is perfect for any summertime afternoon or meal that requires a cool companion. Once you make it, I swear you’ll want to keep a pitcher in your fridge at all times. So go on, and bring a taste of the South into your own kitchen!