Homemade Chick-fil-A Sunjoy

Chick-fil-A Sunjoy is a delicious and refreshing drink. The combination of iced tea and lemonade is sweet. On a sweltering summer day last year, I found myself in a Chick-fil-A drive-thru desperately seeking something more refreshing than my usual soda. When the employee suggested their Sunjoy – a blend of their signature sweet tea and lemonade – I was skeptical. I’m particular about my beverages, mainly tea. But that first sip? Pure revelation.

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Why This Sunjoy Recipe Is Worth Making at Home

This isn’t just any tea-lemonade blend – there are several compelling reasons to master this recipe:

• Cost-effective – Make an entire pitcher for less than the price of one Chick-fil-A Sunjoy
• Availability – Enjoy it year-round, even when it’s not on Chick-fil-A’s menu
• Perfect balance – Get exactly the right sweet-to-tart ratio customized to your taste
• Freshness factor – Use real ingredients with no preservatives or artificial flavors
• Versatility – Easily modify for dietary preferences (sugar-free, caffeine-free, etc.)
• Crowd-pleaser – Universally appealing to both tea lovers and lemonade enthusiasts

What Makes Sunjoy So Irresistible?

The magic of Sunjoy lies in its perfect fusion of contrasting elements:

• The ultimate thirst-quenching power when served ice-cold
• The caffeine boost of black tea provides a gentle pick-me-up
• The citrus tang of lemonade delivers refreshing acidity
• The sweetness balances the tart lemon, creating harmony
• The distinct tea notes add complexity beyond simple lemonade

Ingredients for Chick-fil-A’s Sunjoy Drink

To make a pitcher of Sunjoy, you’ll need:

For the Sweet Tea:

• Black tea bags or loose tea – Provides the robust tea flavor and caffeine base
• Granulated sugar – Creates the signature sweetness that balances the tart lemonade
• Water – Water forms the base for brewing the perfect tea

For the Lemonade:

• Fresh lemons – Deliver bright, authentic citrus flavor far superior to bottled juice
• Granulated sugar – Balances the tartness of fresh lemons
• Water – Dilutes the concentrated lemon juice to perfect strength

For Serving:

• Ice cubes – They chill the drink and keep it refreshing
• Lemon slices – For garnish and extra citrus aroma
• Fresh mint – Optional garnish for a touch of sophistication

Ingredient notes

Black tea is the standard for making Sunjoy, but you can experiment using other types of tea. Brew it hot, or try cold brewing the tea for reduced acidity. You can also use your favorite sweet tea recipe to make this recipe. If you choose Sweet Tea, there is no need to add any extra sugar. 

Standard lemonade is usual, but Strawberry Lemonade would make an exciting alternative. 

How to make Sunjoy Chick-fil-A style

Mixing up a pitcher of Sunjoy is simple:

1. Brew the tea according to the directions on the package.
2. Stir the sugar into the tea while it is warm. Using the cold brewing method, a rich, simple syrup will give you better results. Since rich simple syrup is sweeter than sugar, you’ll need to adjust the amount you use based on your taste. 

3. Make lemonade using your favorite recipe.
4. Fill a large pitcher halfway with sweetened iced tea. Top with lemonade. Stir well to combine.
5. Chill in the fridge until serving. 

Recipe variations

• Make a sugar-free variation – use Spendla or your favorite sweetener to make sugar-free for tea, and don’t forget the diet lemonade 
• Make a convenient version – you can purchase sweet iced tea (or make your own), purchase a gallon of good quality lemonade, and prepare the recipe 

How to serve Chick-fil-A Sunjoy Tea 

For each serving of Sunjoy:

1. Fill a glass two-thirds of the way with ice. 
2. Stir the pitcher of Sunjoy and fill the glass to the top. 
3. Add a straw and garnish with an optional lemon wheel. 

What To Serve With the Sunjoy Drink 

This drink is an excellent substitute for soda or other soft drinks. Serve it on its own or with a meal. Some things you can serve with your lemonade sweet tea are burgers and fries, grilled chicken, fruit salad, or even a fresh pasta salad.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Best Practices for Storage:

• Store in a tightly sealed container or pitcher in the refrigerator
• Cover with plastic wrap or a lid to prevent absorption of other food odors
• Keep it refrigerated at all times for food safety and best flavor

How Long Will It Last?

• Optimal freshness: 3-4 days
• Maximum storage time: Up to 1 week, though the flavor begins to diminish after day 4
• Signs it’s past its prime: Cloudy appearance or off smell

Make-Ahead Tips:

• Freezer trick for portability: Fill a bottle two-thirds full and freeze overnight for a cold drink that will thaw by lunchtime
• Prepare components separately: Make sweet tea and lemonade independently and refrigerate
• Mix just before serving: Combine equal parts just before your event for the freshest flavor

Love Chick-fil-A? Try These Copycat Recipes

• Avocado Ranch Dressing
• Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich
• Chick-fil-A Grilled Chicken Sandwich
• Chick-fil-A Nuggets
• Chick-fil-A Sauce
• Frosted Lemonade

Popular Fast Food Drinks

• Cherry Limeade
• Kiwi Starfruit Refresher
• Orange Julius
• Passion Tea Lemonade
• Starbucks Pink Drink
• Strawberry Limeade
• Taco Bell Pina Colada Frutista Freeze

Check out my easy drink recipes and the best copycat Chick Fil A recipes on CopyKat!