Description
This refreshing Southern strawberry sweet iced tea combines the boldness of black tea with the sweet brightness of fresh strawberries. Perfectly chilled and garnished with mint and fruit, it’s a go-to summer drink for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups water (boiling)
- 4 cups cold water
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- Ice cubes, for serving
- 4 black tea bags (or your favorite blend)
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- ½ cup water (for syrup)
- ¼ cup honey or extra sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
- Fresh mint leaves (optional)
- Strawberry slices (for garnish)
Instructions
- Boil 4 cups of water. Remove from heat and steep tea bags for 5–7 minutes. Discard tea bags and stir in sugar while warm.
- In a saucepan, combine strawberries, ½ cup water, and honey. Simmer for 10 minutes. Mash strawberries, then strain to remove pulp.
- Add lemon juice (optional) and let the syrup cool.
- In a pitcher, combine brewed tea, strawberry syrup, and 4 cups cold water. Stir well.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to chill.
- Serve over ice and garnish with mint leaves and sliced strawberries.
Notes
- Use very ripe strawberries for the sweetest flavor.
- For a sugar-free version, use stevia or monk fruit.
- Add sparkling water before serving for a fizzy twist.
- Make syrup ahead of time and store for quick prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Steep and Simmer
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass (about 12 oz)
- Calories: 85
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: strawberry iced tea, sweet tea, summer drink, southern iced tea, fruit tea