Why Make This Recipe
Southern Strawberry Sweet Iced Tea is a delightful drink perfect for hot summer days or any occasion. The combination of sweet strawberries and refreshing tea makes it ideal for picnics, parties, or just a relaxing afternoon at home. Making this tea is simple and brings a taste of the South to your table.
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 this iced tea in tall glasses over ice for a refreshing drink. You can decorate each glass with a slice of fresh strawberry or a mint sprig on top for a nice touch. This tea pairs wonderfully with snacks like sandwiches, cookies, or fruit for afternoon tea parties.
How to Store Southern Strawberry Sweet Iced Tea
To store the tea, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 3 to 5 days. You may need to stir it before serving since some ingredients can settle over time. If you want to make a large batch for events, consider keeping the syrup separate and mixing it in just before serving.
Tips to Make Southern Strawberry Sweet Iced Tea
- Adjust the sugar level based on your taste. You can make it sweeter or reduce the sugar for a less sweet option.
- If you like a stronger strawberry flavor, use more strawberries in the syrup.
- For a healthier option, try substituting sugar with honey, agave syrup, or stevia.
Variation
If you want to add more flavors, consider adding a few sprigs of mint while making the strawberry syrup. You could also mix in other berries like raspberries or blueberries for a berry blend iced tea.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just thaw them before cooking to make the syrup.
Q2: How can I make this tea without caffeine?
You can substitute black tea bags with herbal tea bags or caffeine-free tea for a soothing drink.
Q3: Is it possible to make this drink in advance?
Definitely! You can make the tea and strawberry syrup ahead of time, store them in the refrigerator, and mix them just before serving.