Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Strawberry Sweet Tea is a refreshing Southern-inspired drink that blends the boldness of black tea with the natural sweetness of strawberries. It’s perfect for warm days, family gatherings, or any time you want a fruity twist on classic sweet tea. The homemade strawberry syrup infuses every sip with fresh, juicy flavor.
ingredients
Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.
black teabagsfresh strawberriesgranulated sugarlimonwaterice cubes
directions
Bring 4 cups of water to a boil and steep 4–6 black tea bags for 5–10 minutes, depending on desired strength.
While the tea steeps, combine chopped strawberries and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat.
Cook the strawberries, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the berries break down into a syrup, about 10 minutes.
Strain the strawberry syrup through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds and pulp.
Remove tea bags from the steeped tea and pour the tea into a large pitcher.
Stir in the strawberry syrup and add remaining cold water to dilute, about 4 more cups.
Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if desired.
Refrigerate until chilled and serve over ice.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 6–8 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 10 minutesCooling time: 30 minutesTotal time: 50 minutes
Variations
Add fresh mint leaves for a cooling herbal note.
Use green tea instead of black tea for a lighter flavor.
Substitute honey or agave syrup for a natural sweetener.
Add sparkling water just before serving for a fizzy version.
Blend in frozen strawberries to make a slushy-style tea.
storage/reheating
Store Strawberry Sweet Tea in a covered pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.Shake or stir before serving as the syrup may settle.Do not freeze, as the flavor and texture may degrade upon thawing.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, just thaw them first before making the syrup.
Is this drink overly sweet?
It’s sweet but balanced. You can adjust the sugar to taste.
Can I make this tea caffeine-free?
Yes, use decaffeinated black tea bags or herbal alternatives.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely, it tastes even better chilled overnight.
Do I need to strain the strawberry syrup?
Straining ensures a smooth drink, but you can leave the pulp for texture.
What type of tea works best?
Black tea like Lipton or Luzianne is traditional, but any strong tea works.
Can I use a sugar substitute?
Yes, stevia or monk fruit can be used to reduce sugar.
Should I serve it with lemon?
A splash of lemon enhances the strawberry flavor but is optional.
How can I make it look fancy?
Serve with fresh strawberry slices and lemon wedges for garnish.
Can I turn this into a cocktail?
Yes, add a shot of vodka, rum, or bourbon for an adult version.
Conclusion
Strawberry Sweet Tea brings a burst of fruity flavor to the classic Southern beverage. With its refreshing taste and easy preparation, it’s a must-try for tea lovers and anyone looking for a vibrant, homemade drink. Enjoy it chilled with friends, at a picnic, or just as a treat to yourself on a sunny day.
Print
Strawberry Sweet Tea
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes plus chilling time
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing Southern-style beverage combining the sweetness of strawberries with the classic flavor of sweet tea. Perfect for warm days and gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 4 black tea bags
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 cups cold water
- Ice cubes, for serving
- Fresh mint leaves and extra strawberries, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
- Remove from heat and add tea bags. Let steep for 5-7 minutes.
- While tea is steeping, place sliced strawberries and sugar in a blender. Blend until smooth.
- Strain the strawberry puree through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds.
- Remove tea bags from the steeped tea and discard.
- In a large pitcher, combine the tea, strawberry puree, and 4 cups of cold water. Stir well.
- Refrigerate until chilled, about 1-2 hours.
- Serve over ice and garnish with mint leaves and sliced strawberries, if desired.
Notes
- Adjust sugar to taste depending on the sweetness of the strawberries.
- For a fizzy version, replace some cold water with club soda.
- Use green tea instead of black tea for a lighter flavor.