Strawberry Sweet Tea

Strawberry Sweet Tea is a refreshing twist on classic Southern sweet tea, infused with the fruity brightness of fresh strawberries. It’s light, naturally sweet, and perfect for sipping on a warm day or serving at picnics, barbecues, or just lounging on the porch. I love how the strawberry syrup blends beautifully with the brewed tea to create a drink that’s both vibrant and satisfying.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love how this strawberry sweet tea combines the boldness of black tea with the sweet, slightly tangy flavor of strawberries. It’s incredibly easy to make and tastes way better than anything store-bought. I can control the sweetness, use fresh or frozen strawberries, and it always looks beautiful in a pitcher. It’s my go-to when I want to impress guests with something that feels a little special but doesn’t take much effort.

Ingredients

(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Fresh strawberries (hulled and chopped)

• Granulated sugar

• Water (divided)

• Black tea bags (like Lipton or your favorite brand)

• Baking soda (just a pinch, optional for reducing bitterness)

• Ice cubes

• Lemon slices or mint (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. In a saucepan, combine strawberries, sugar, and 1 cup of water. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes until the strawberries are soft and the mixture thickens slightly.

2. Strain the strawberry syrup through a fine mesh sieve to remove solids. Let it cool.

3. In a separate pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Remove from heat and add tea bags. Let steep for 5–7 minutes. Remove the tea bags and stir in a pinch of baking soda if using.

4. In a large pitcher, combine the brewed tea and strawberry syrup. Add 2–3 more cups of cold water to dilute to your preferred strength.

5. Chill the tea in the fridge for at least 1 hour.

6. Serve over ice and garnish with lemon slices or mint if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6–8

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Chill Time: 1 hour

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Variations

• Sugar-Free: I use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit to make it low-calorie.

• Herbal Twist: Try using a fruit-flavored herbal tea instead of black tea.

• Citrus Boost: Stir in a bit of fresh lemon or orange juice for a citrusy kick.

• Bubbly Option: Top it off with sparkling water right before serving for a fizzy version.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store in a sealed pitcher in the fridge for up to 4 days.

• Freezing: I freeze leftover tea into ice cubes to chill future batches without diluting the flavor.

• Reheating: I don’t usually reheat this drink, but I can warm the strawberry syrup slightly if making it ahead.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, frozen strawberries work just as well. I simmer them straight from frozen to make the syrup.

Why add baking soda to tea?

A small pinch of baking soda smooths out any bitterness in the tea and gives it a cleaner flavor.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Absolutely. I make it the day before and let the flavors meld in the fridge overnight.

What kind of tea is best for this recipe?

Classic black tea works best, but green tea or white tea can also be used for a lighter taste.

How do I make it less sweet?

I simply reduce the sugar in the strawberry syrup or add more water to the final mix to dilute the sweetness.

Conclusion

Strawberry Sweet Tea is a simple yet delightful drink that always feels like summer in a glass. It’s fruity, smooth, and just the right amount of sweet. I love serving it at gatherings or just keeping a pitcher ready for when I need a little refreshment. Try it once, and it might just become your new favorite iced tea.

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Strawberry Sweet Tea

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• Author: Sue
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings
• Category: Drinks
• Method: Stovetop + Steeping
• Cuisine: Southern American
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Strawberry Sweet Tea is a refreshing twist on classic Southern sweet tea, infused with fruity homemade strawberry syrup. This vibrant, lightly sweetened iced tea is perfect for summer sipping, picnics, and porch lounging. Easy to make with fresh or frozen strawberries, it’s the ultimate warm-weather drink.

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Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped (or use frozen)

• 1 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)

• 7–8 cups water, divided (1 cup for syrup + 4 cups for steeping tea + 2–3 cups to dilute)

• 4–6 black tea bags (such as Lipton or your favorite brand)

• 1 pinch baking soda (optional, helps reduce bitterness in tea)

• Ice cubes, for serving

• Lemon slices or fresh mint (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. In a saucepan, combine strawberries, sugar, and 1 cup of water. Simmer for 10–12 minutes until strawberries are soft and the mixture thickens slightly.

2. Strain strawberry syrup through a fine mesh sieve and let it cool.

3. In a separate pot, boil 4 cups of water. Remove from heat, add tea bags, and steep for 5–7 minutes. Discard tea bags and stir in a pinch of baking soda (optional).

4. In a large pitcher, mix the brewed tea with the strawberry syrup. Add 2–3 cups of cold water to reach your desired strength.

5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

6. Serve over ice with optional lemon or mint garnish.

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Notes

• Frozen strawberries can be used in place of fresh.

• Baking soda softens any bitterness from the black tea.

• Adjust sweetness by reducing sugar or diluting with more water.

• Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.

• Freeze leftover tea into cubes to avoid dilution when serving.