Strawberry Sweet Tea

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Sunshine in a glass—that’s exactly what this Strawberry Sweet Tea feels like. It’s vibrant, fresh, and lightly sweet, making it the ultimate refreshment for warm afternoons or porch-sitting moments. With the rich flavor of steeped black tea blending seamlessly with ripe, juicy strawberries, each sip is equal parts soothing and invigorating. It’s the kind of drink that makes you slow down and savor summer.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or just need something special to sip while reading your favorite book, this sweet tea is a charming twist on a Southern classic. It’s easy to prepare and even easier to love. Best of all? You can customize the sweetness and intensity of the strawberry flavor, so it perfectly suits your taste.

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Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Sweet Tea

• Fresh and Fruity: Made with real strawberries for that irresistible berry flavor.
• Naturally Sweetened Option: Use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar.
• Perfect for Entertaining: Looks beautiful in a pitcher and is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
• Easy to Customize: Adjust the tea strength, sweetness, or even add a splash of lemon juice for extra zing.
• Great Make-Ahead Beverage: Store in the fridge and serve chilled whenever you’re ready.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Essential Tools and Equipment:

• Large Saucepan: You’ll use this to make the strawberry syrup by simmering fresh strawberries with sugar and water.
• Fine Mesh Strainer: Essential for straining out the strawberry pulp to ensure a smooth, clear syrup.
• Pitcher: A large, sturdy glass pitcher is perfect for combining the tea and syrup.
• Tea Kettle or Pot: Needed to boil water for steeping the black tea.
• Wooden Spoon: Ideal for gently mashing strawberries and stirring the syrup.
• Cutting Board & Knife: For slicing strawberries before they go into the saucepan.

Each tool contributes to a smooth process and a better-tasting tea. From steeping to straining, these pieces make a difference in how flavorful and refreshing your final drink turns out.

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Ingredients for the Strawberry Sweet Tea

• Fresh Strawberries: These are the star ingredient. They bring a vibrant color and naturally sweet, fruity taste to the tea.
• Granulated Sugar: Helps draw out the juices from the strawberries and sweetens the syrup.
• Black Tea Bags: Choose a quality black tea like Lipton or Luzianne for that bold, classic flavor.
• Water: Used both for the strawberry syrup and to steep the tea.
• Lemon Juice (optional): Adds brightness and balances the sweetness if desired.
• Ice: To serve the tea cold and refreshing.

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How To Make the Strawberry Sweet Tea

Step 1: Make the Strawberry Syrup

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sliced strawberries, sugar, and water. Let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes until the strawberries have broken down and the mixture becomes syrupy. Use a spoon to gently mash the berries as they cook.

Step 2: Strain and Cool

Pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl or jar, pressing the pulp to extract as much syrup as possible. Discard the solids and let the syrup cool.

Step 3: Brew the Tea

Boil 4 cups of water, then steep 4-6 black tea bags for about 5 minutes (longer for stronger tea). Remove tea bags and let the tea come to room temperature or chill it in the fridge.

Step 4: Combine and Chill

In a large pitcher, mix the cooled tea and strawberry syrup. Add lemon juice if using. Stir well, then refrigerate until fully chilled.

Step 5: Serve Over Ice

Fill glasses with ice, pour the strawberry sweet tea over, and garnish with fresh strawberry slices or lemon wheels if desired.

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Serving and Storing Strawberry Sweet Tea

Strawberry Sweet Tea is best served ice-cold, making it perfect for sunny days and backyard meals. Pour it into mason jars or elegant tumblers, and don’t forget a garnish of strawberry slices for an extra fancy touch.

If you’re prepping ahead, you can make the syrup and brew the tea a day in advance. Store both components separately or mixed in a sealed pitcher in the fridge for up to 4 days. Stir before serving to redistribute the flavors.

Avoid adding ice directly to the pitcher as it may dilute the tea over time. Instead, add ice only to serving glasses.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of tea should I use for sweet tea?

Black tea is traditional and works best for this recipe due to its bold, slightly astringent flavor that balances the sweet strawberry syrup.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes! Thawed frozen strawberries work well for the syrup. Just note that fresh ones tend to provide a brighter color and flavor.

How do I make it less sweet?

Use less sugar in the syrup or dilute the finished tea with a bit of extra water or lemon juice.

Can I use green tea instead of black?

Absolutely. Green tea will give it a lighter, more floral taste. It’s a great variation if you prefer a subtler tea flavor.

How long does strawberry sweet tea last in the fridge?

It will stay fresh for 3-4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Is it okay to double the recipe for a party?

Definitely! Just double all ingredients and use a larger pitcher. It scales easily and stays delicious.

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Want More Beverage Ideas?

If you love this Strawberry Sweet Tea, here are some other refreshing recipes you might enjoy:

• Refreshing Mango Strawberry Sorbet Recipe
• Homemade Lemon Cheesecake Ice Cream
• Rose Pistachio Cheesecake Ice Cream
• Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
• Gooey Strawberry Earthquake Cake Recipe

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Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest drinks or summer board so you can come back to it anytime.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you stick with black tea or try green? Did you add lemon juice or skip it?

I love hearing how you put your spin on it. Got questions? Drop them below—let’s sip and share ideas together.

For more daily inspiration, check out my Pinterest @Americanrecipesbyheart and follow along with my latest drink and dessert creations.

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