Bojangles Sweet Tea Recipe

Name: Bojangles Sweet Tea Recipe
Prep time: 120 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 135 min
Ingredients: 1 gallon water (divided); 1/4 teaspoon baking soda (for smoothness); 3 large family-size tea bags; 2 cups granulated sugar (adjust sweetness to preference); 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for a hint of warmth); 1 lemon (sliced (optional, for garnish and a touch of citrus))

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As summer rolls in, there’s nothing quite like a refreshing drink to accompany your meal. If you’ve ever dined at Bojangles, you know their sweet tea is a highlight. Paired with a crispy chicken biscuit or spicy Cajun fries, it’s hard not to fall in love with that blend of flavor and refreshment.

Today, I’m excited to share how you can easily recreate that beloved Bojangles sweet tea at home. But first, let’s set the stage for why this tea is not just a drink but a delightful experience.

Imagine stepping into a bustling café, the smell of fried chicken wafting through the air, combined with that warm, inviting scent of brewed tea. The clinking of cups and laughter of friends create a backdrop of comfort.

This is the essence of dining at Bojangles, but one thing stands out: their sweet tea. It’s not just for sipping; it’s a cultural staple in Southern cuisine.

Let me take you through a journey of making your own version of this iconic drink, providing you with all the tips, tricks, and insights along the way.

Together, we’ll explore the delightful tradition of sweet tea, and with my help, you’ll make it shine in your own kitchen.

Table of Contents

What is Bojangles Sweet Tea?

Bojangles sweet tea is a Southern classic, known for its distinctive sweetness and refreshing taste. Made with high-quality tea leaves and simple ingredients, it’s brewed to perfection and sweetened generously. But what makes this tea special?

It embodies tradition and hospitality, where every glass feels like a warm embrace. With the right balance of sweetness and tea flavor, it serves as the perfect complement to Southern dishes.

Why You’ll Love This Bojangles Sweet Tea

Let’s break this down. First off, the taste: it’s refreshingly sweet yet perfectly brewed to maintain that rich tea flavor. The slight hint of vanilla brings warmth while the optional lemon adds a brightness that lifts your spirits.

The Appeal of Sweet Tea

Nostalgic Flavor: Sweet tea is rooted in Southern culture. Each sip brings memories of family gatherings, summer picnics, and laughter. You can almost hear the chatter of a backyard barbecue in the background.
Versatile Serving: Whether enjoying fried chicken or spicy shrimp, sweet tea pairs beautifully with various foods. It cleanses the palate, allowing you to savor every bite of your meal.
Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness! If you prefer a less sweet drink, simply cut back on sugar. Add more if you like it sugary!
Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a gallon of this delightful beverage ready. No complex techniques here—just straightforward brewing.
Impress Your Guests: Serve it at gatherings, and you’ll wow your friends and family. They’ll be asking for your recipe, and you can proudly share your secret!

The Ingredients You Will Need To Make Bojangles Sweet Tea

Here’s what you’ll need to pay homage to the sweet tea tradition:

1 gallon water, divided – For brewing and dilution.
1/4 teaspoon baking soda – This helps to smooth out the tea and reduce bitterness.
3 large family-size tea bags – A strong brew is essential. I recommend using black tea for that classic taste.
2 cups granulated sugar – Adjust this based on your taste preference; sweet tea is traditionally sweet!
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional) – For that subtle hint of warmth.
1 lemon, sliced (optional) – As a garnish and for a citrus twist.

Directions

Now, let’s jump into the steps to brew your own exquisite sweet tea.

Step 1: Boil the Water

Begin by boiling 4 cups of water in a large pot. Ensure the water reaches a rolling boil. This helps extract the flavors from the tea bags effectively.

Step 2: Brew the Tea

Once the water is boiling, add the 3 tea bags to the pot. Stir gently and let them steep for about 10-15 minutes, depending on how strong you want your tea. Remember, longer steeping can lead to a bitter taste!

Step 3: Add Baking Soda

After steeping, remove the tea bags. Stir in the baking soda. This may seem odd, but it’s key for mellowing out any bitterness from the strong brew.

Step 4: Sweeten with Sugar

Next, pour in the granulated sugar while the tea is still warm. Stir thoroughly until all the sugar has dissolved completely. You want this to be sweet, so taste it and adjust if necessary.

Step 5: Combine with Water

Transfer the tea into a large pitcher. Add the remaining 12 cups of cold water. This dilutes the sweetness and balances the flavors.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Let your creation cool down at room temperature, then refrigerate until chilled. Serve over ice and garnish with lemon slices if desired. Your homemade Bojangles sweet tea is now ready to enjoy!

Notes

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your sweet tea is a success:

Choose Quality Tea: Higher quality tea bags yield richer flavors. Opt for fresh, well-reviewed brands.
Monitor Temperature: Don’t let the water boil too vigorously, as it can affect the tea’s flavor.
Experiment with Sweetness: Start with 2 cups of sugar, but don’t be afraid to play around until it’s perfect for your taste.
Alternative Sweeteners: Consider trying honey, agave syrup, or stevia for a different twist.
Brewing Time: Adjust brewing time based on your taste. Short for lighter tea, longer for a robust flavor.

Storage Tips

To keep your sweet tea fresh:

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Use within 5-7 days for best taste.
If it appears cloudy, it’s still safe to drink, but it may have lost some brightness in flavor.

Nutrition Information

Each serving of this sweet tea (1 cup) contains approximately:

Calories: 120
Sugars: 30g
Total Carbohydrates: 30g
Sodium: 10mg
(Note: Values might change based on sugar adjustments.)

Serving Suggestions

Make your tea-drinking experience delightful with these serving ideas:

Pair with Fried Chicken: Crispy fried chicken and sweet tea go together like peas and carrots. Complement the spices with a refreshing sip.
Serving with BBQ: Barbecue ribs enhance the southern flair. The sweetness of tea cuts through the richness of the meat.
Accompany with Salads: Fresh garden salads filled with veggies balance the sweetness, making your meal light and tasty.
Enjoy with Desserts: Peach cobbler or brownies bring out the sweet notes in your tea for a delightful dessert pairing.
Perfect with Spicy Foods: Spicy Cajun dishes match perfectly. The tea alleviates heat while highlighting flavors beautifully.

What Other Substitutes Can I Use in Bojangles Sweet Tea?

Learning to make sweet tea can be flexible! Here are some substitutes you can try:

Different Tea Varieties: Green tea or herbal tea instead of black can create a unique flavor. They’ll offer different health benefits.
Honey Instead of Sugar: Replace granulated sugar with honey. The flavor contrast adds depth.
Maple Syrup: This adds a lovely twist; its unique flavor can enhance the tea experience.
Agave Nectar: A sugar substitute that’s sweeter, allowing you to use less.
Artificial Sweeteners: If you’re looking for lower sugar options, sweeteners like Stevia work well.

Bojangles Sweet Tea Recipe

Kimberly Booker RD

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Prep Time 2

Cook Time 15

Total Time 2 15

Course Beverages

Cuisine American

Servings cup

Calories 120 kcal

Equipment

Large pitcher

Ingredients

1 gallon water divided
1/4 teaspoon baking soda for smoothness
3 large family-size tea bags
2 cups granulated sugar adjust sweetness to preference
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract optional, for a hint of warmth
1 lemon sliced (optional, for garnish and a touch of citrus)