Description
This refreshing Strawberry Sweet Tea combines the bold flavor of black tea with the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries. Perfect for summer days or as a delightful twist on classic Southern sweet tea, this drink is easy to make and incredibly flavorful.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 black tea bags (or 2 family-size tea bags)
- 4 cups water, divided
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp baking soda (optional, for reducing bitterness)
- 1 tsp lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
- 2 cups ice cubes
- Fresh strawberries and lemon slices for garnish
- Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
-
Brew the Tea:
- Bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
- Remove from heat and add tea bags. Steep for 5-7 minutes.
- Remove tea bags and stir in baking soda (if using) to smooth out any bitterness.
-
Make the Strawberry Syrup:
- In a saucepan, combine strawberries, sugar, and ½ cup of water.
- Simmer over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until strawberries soften and release their juices.
- Mash the strawberries with a spoon, then strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove solids.
-
Combine Everything:
- In a large pitcher, add the brewed tea, strawberry syrup, and remaining water.
- Stir in lemon juice (if using).
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to chill.
-
Serve:
- Fill glasses with ice cubes, pour the strawberry sweet tea over ice, and garnish with strawberry slices, lemon slices, and mint leaves.
- Enjoy!
Notes
- Adjust the sugar level to your preference by adding more or less.
- For a stronger tea flavor, let the tea steep longer before removing the bags.
- Substitute honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener.
- Try using green tea instead of black tea for a lighter flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 90 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0mg