Why Make This Recipe
Southern Strawberry Sweet Iced Tea is a delightful drink that brings together the classic flavors of sweet tea and fresh strawberries. It’s perfect for warm days or rainy afternoons, and it adds a fruity twist to your regular iced tea. Making it at home ensures that you can adjust the sweetness and enjoy the natural taste of fresh berries. This drink is a great way to refresh yourself and impress your family and friends.
How to Make Southern Strawberry Sweet Iced Tea
Ingredients:
- 6 black tea bags
- 8 cups water (for brewing tea and syrup)
- Ice cubes (as needed for serving)
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, washed and hulled
- 1 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste; can substitute with honey, agave syrup, or stevia)
- 1/2 cup water (for syrup)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
- Fresh strawberry slices or mint sprigs (for garnish)
Directions:
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Start by boiling 8 cups of fresh water. Steep 6 black tea bags in the boiling water for 5 to 7 minutes, depending on how strong you prefer your tea. Remove the tea bags and let the tea cool slightly to lukewarm.
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While the tea brews, combine 2 cups of washed and hulled strawberries with 1 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until the strawberries break down and the mixture thickens into a syrup. Strain the syrup to remove seeds and pulp if desired for a smooth finish.
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Once the brewed tea has cooled to lukewarm, stir in the prepared strawberry syrup thoroughly. Add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice if desired to brighten the flavors. Mix well until fully combined.
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Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the Southern Strawberry Sweet Iced Tea over the ice. Garnish with fresh strawberry slices or a sprig of mint for an appealing presentation. Serve chilled and enjoy!
How to Serve Southern Strawberry Sweet Iced Tea
Serve Southern Strawberry Sweet Iced Tea in tall glasses filled with ice cubes. Garnish each glass with fresh strawberry slices or a sprig of mint. This beautiful drink is perfect for summer picnics, barbecues, or just a relaxing day at home. Pour into glasses and let it cool your day down!
How to Store Southern Strawberry Sweet Iced Tea
To store Southern Strawberry Sweet Iced Tea, pour it into an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days. If the tea begins to lose its flavor, just give it a stir before serving again. You can also store the strawberry syrup separately for a longer shelf life.
Tips to Make Southern Strawberry Sweet Iced Tea
- For extra sweetness, adjust the sugar or try honey or agave syrup.
- You can use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones if they are out of season.
- To enhance the flavor, try adding other fruits like raspberries or peaches.
- If you prefer a stronger tea flavor, steep the tea bags longer but keep an eye on the bitterness.
Variation
If you’d like a sparkling twist, you can replace half of the water with club soda. This gives the iced tea a delightful fizz. Another option is to add a splash of orange juice for a citrusy kick.
FAQs
1. Can I use green tea instead of black tea?
Yes, you can use green tea, but keep in mind that it will change the flavor profile of the drink.
2. How can I make this tea less sweet?
Simply reduce the amount of sugar in the syrup or omit it entirely. You can also use a sugar substitute.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the tea and syrup in advance and mix them together before serving. Just store them separately in the refrigerator.
Southern Strawberry Sweet Iced Tea
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing blend of sweet tea and fresh strawberries, perfect for warm days.
Ingredients
- 6 black tea bags
- 8 cups water (for brewing tea and syrup)
- Ice cubes (as needed for serving)
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, washed and hulled
- 1 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste; can substitute with honey, agave syrup, or stevia)
- 1/2 cup water (for syrup)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
- Fresh strawberry slices or mint sprigs (for garnish)
Instructions
- Boil 8 cups of fresh water. Steep 6 black tea bags in the boiling water for 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the tea bags and cool the tea to lukewarm.
- Combine 2 cups of strawberries, 1 cup sugar, and 1/2 cup water in a saucepan. Cook until the strawberries break down and the mixture thickens into a syrup. Strain if desired.
- Once the tea is lukewarm, stir in the strawberry syrup and add lemon juice if using. Mix thoroughly.
- Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the tea over the ice. Garnish with strawberry slices or mint sprigs. Serve chilled.
Notes
For extra sweetness, adjust the sugar or try honey/agave. Substitute frozen strawberries if needed. Can replace half the water with club soda for a fizzy version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Brewing
- Cuisine: Southern