Strawberry Sweet Tea

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Summer in a glass, this Strawberry Sweet Tea is the perfect balance of sweet, fruity, and refreshingly cool. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, lounging on the porch swing, or just need a moment of chill in the heat, this tea hits all the right notes. The vibrant red hue paired with floating slices of fresh strawberries makes it as pretty as it is delicious.

Made with brewed black tea and infused with homemade strawberry syrup, this drink is a twist on the classic Southern staple. It’s simple to prepare, easy to customize, and a total crowd-pleaser. A batch of this tea in your fridge and you’re officially ready for summer.

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What Kind of Tea Should I Use for Strawberry Sweet Tea?

Black tea is the traditional base for sweet tea, and it works beautifully here too. Choose a strong, robust blend like English Breakfast or Orange Pekoe. You want a tea that can stand up to the sweetness of the strawberries without getting lost.

Avoid flavored or floral teas for this recipe—they might clash with the strawberry syrup. If you prefer caffeine-free, rooibos tea is a good alternative and still gives a lovely color and flavor.

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Ingredients for the Strawberry Sweet Tea

Black Tea Bags: These form the heart of the recipe, offering depth and a touch of bitterness to balance the sweet fruit.

Fresh Strawberries: Used for both the syrup and garnish, they bring natural sweetness and beautiful color.

Granulated Sugar: Essential for creating the syrup that sweetens the tea. Adjust the amount to your liking.

Water: You’ll need it for both brewing the tea and cooking down the strawberries.

Lemon Juice (Optional): A splash of lemon can brighten the tea and add a zesty note.

Ice: Because no sweet tea is complete without it, especially on a hot day.

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How To Make the Strawberry Sweet Tea

Step 1: Brew the Tea

Start by bringing 4 cups of water to a boil. Once boiling, remove from heat and steep 4-6 black tea bags for 5-10 minutes depending on how strong you like it. Discard the tea bags and let the tea cool slightly.

Step 2: Make the Strawberry Syrup

While the tea is steeping, combine 1 cup of sliced fresh strawberries, 1 cup of sugar, and 1 cup of water in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the strawberries break down and the sugar is dissolved—about 10 minutes. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve and discard the solids. Let the syrup cool.

Step 3: Combine and Chill

In a large pitcher, stir together the brewed tea and the strawberry syrup. Add a splash of lemon juice if you like a bit of citrusy tang. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to chill thoroughly.

Step 4: Serve Over Ice

Fill glasses with ice and pour the chilled tea over. Garnish with extra fresh strawberry slices and a lemon wedge if you’re feeling fancy. Sip and enjoy!

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Serving and Storing Strawberry Sweet Tea

Strawberry Sweet Tea is best served icy cold, poured into a tall glass over plenty of ice. Garnish with fresh strawberries or a sprig of mint for a summery presentation.

Store leftover tea in a sealed pitcher in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavor intensifies slightly over time, and it’s just as good the next day. Stir before serving, especially if the syrup has settled.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long can I store the strawberry syrup?

Strawberry syrup will keep in the refrigerator for up to one week in a sealed container or jar.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes! Just make sure to thaw them first. Frozen strawberries work great for making the syrup.

What if I want it less sweet?

Simply reduce the amount of sugar in the strawberry syrup or dilute the final mix with extra cold water.

Can I turn this into a sparkling tea?

Absolutely. Mix the strawberry syrup with chilled seltzer or sparkling water instead of brewed tea for a bubbly twist.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Very! It has no alcohol and the sweet fruity flavor is a hit with all ages.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, in fact it tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge. Make it a day ahead for parties or gatherings.

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Want More Refreshing Drink Ideas?

If you love this fruity Strawberry Sweet Tea, try out some of our other chilled favorites:

• Cinnamon Sweet Alabama Pecanbread for a cozy tea-time snack.
• Easy Pumpkin Muffins to pair with your glass.
• Cherry Cheesecake Poke Cake for an ultra-sweet finish.
• Blueberry Lemon Dutch Baby if you’re serving a weekend brunch.
• Condensed Milk Snow Cookies for melt-in-your-mouth goodness.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest drink board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add extra lemon? Try it with green tea instead? I love hearing the twists you put on this simple classic.

You can find more cool and creative summer drinks on my Pinterest @hallarecipes — I share new recipes there daily!

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