Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Strawberry Sweet Tea is a refreshing Southern-style beverage that blends the classic charm of sweet tea with the fruity brightness of strawberries. It’s perfect for warm weather, picnics, or as a flavorful alternative to regular iced tea. With its vibrant color and naturally sweet taste, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
fresh strawberriesgranulated sugarsmall lemons (for juice and garnish)black tea bagswaterice
directions
Hull and slice the strawberries, then blend them with a bit of sugar and water until smooth.
Pour the strawberry puree through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds and set aside.
Bring water to a boil, remove from heat, and steep the black tea bags for 5-7 minutes.
Remove the tea bags and stir in sugar while the tea is still warm until dissolved.
Let the tea cool slightly, then mix in the fresh lemon juice and strawberry puree.
Chill the tea in the refrigerator for at least an hour.
Serve over ice and garnish with fresh strawberry slices or lemon wedges.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields about 6-8 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesSteeping and cooling time: 1 hourTotal time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Variations
Use green tea instead of black for a lighter flavor.
Add fresh mint leaves for a cooling twist.
Mix in a splash of sparkling water before serving for a fizzy version.
Use honey or agave instead of sugar for a different kind of sweetness.
storage/reheating
Store Strawberry Sweet Tea in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.Stir well before serving as separation may occur.Not suitable for reheating—best enjoyed chilled.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, thaw them first and proceed with blending.
Can I make it less sweet?
Absolutely—adjust the sugar to your taste or use a sugar substitute.
What kind of tea works best?
Black tea like Lipton or Luzianne is traditional, but you can experiment with others.
Do I need to strain the strawberry puree?
It’s recommended for a smoother texture, but you can skip it if you don’t mind seeds.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes even better after chilling and letting the flavors meld.
What can I use instead of lemon juice?
Lime juice or orange juice can be used for a different citrus note.
How can I make it a cocktail?
Add a splash of vodka or rum for an adult version.
Is this drink kid-friendly?
Yes, it’s non-alcoholic and naturally sweet, great for all ages.
Can I serve this warm?
It’s designed to be iced, but you can serve it warm if you prefer.
What if I don’t have a blender?
Mash the strawberries well and strain through a sieve for a similar effect.
Conclusion
Strawberry Sweet Tea combines the comforting flavors of sweet tea with a juicy strawberry twist that’s perfect for any occasion. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, this vibrant drink will keep you cool and refreshed all season long. Give it a try, and it may just become your go-to summer beverage.
PrintStrawberry Sweet Tea
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Steeping & Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing blend of sweet tea infused with fresh strawberries—perfect for summer.
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 4 black tea bags
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 4 cups cold water or ice
- Strawberry slices and mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan.
- Remove from heat and steep tea bags for 5 minutes, then discard tea bags.
- Add sugar and stir until fully dissolved.
- In a blender, puree strawberries until smooth.
- Strain strawberry puree through a fine mesh to remove seeds (optional).
- Mix the strawberry puree into the sweet tea.
- Pour into a pitcher, add 4 cups cold water or ice, and stir to combine.
- Chill in refrigerator or serve immediately over ice.
- Garnish with strawberry slices and mint leaves before serving.
Notes
- For a stronger strawberry flavor, muddle a few whole strawberries in the pitcher.
- Substitute honey or agave for sugar if desired.
- Make it sparkling by adding club soda just before serving.