There’s something magical about that first sip of iced tea on a sweltering summer day. Now imagine that classic refreshment transformed with the sweet, juicy essence of ripe strawberries and succulent peaches. That’s exactly what you get with this Strawberry Peach Iced Tea—a beverage that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
I discovered this recipe during a particularly brutal heatwave last summer, and it’s been my go-to refreshment ever since. The combination of fruity sweetness with the gentle astringency of black tea creates this perfect balance that quenches thirst while delighting your taste buds.
Why This Recipe is Awesome
What makes Strawberry Peach Iced Tea stand out is its incredible versatility and natural approach to flavoring. Unlike store-bought fruit teas loaded with artificial ingredients, this recipe uses real fruit to infuse genuine flavor into each glass.
The beauty of this drink lies in its layered flavor profile—the robust black tea foundation, the sweet-tart punch of strawberries, and the honeyed notes of fresh peaches create a complexity that bottled teas simply can’t match. It’s sophisticated enough for a garden party but simple enough for everyday enjoyment. Another major plus?
This recipe can be tailored to any sweetness level you prefer, making it perfect for both those watching sugar intake and those with a sweet tooth. It’s also a fantastic way to use up seasonal fruit that’s perhaps a day past its prime for eating fresh.
Equipment needed: Large pitcher, kettle or pot for boiling water, fine mesh strainer, muddler or wooden spoon
Strawberry Peach Iced Tea
Ingredients
- 4 black tea bags or 4 teaspoons loose-leaf black tea
- 6 cups water divided
- 1 cup fresh strawberries hulled and sliced
- 2 ripe peaches pitted and sliced
- ¼ cup honey or sugar adjust to taste
- 1 lemon sliced
- Fresh mint leaves about 8-10
- Ice cubes for serving
- Additional peach and strawberry slices for garnish
Instructions
- Brew the tea base by bringing 4 cups of water to a boil. Remove from heat, add tea bags, and let steep for 5 minutes. Don’t steep longer or the tea may become bitter.
- Remove the tea bags and add honey or sugar while the tea is still hot, stirring until completely dissolved. This ensures even sweetness throughout the drink.
- Add fruit to the pitcher – place the sliced strawberries and peaches in a large pitcher and gently muddle with a wooden spoon to release their juices and oils without completely crushing them.
- Combine the brewed tea with the muddled fruit mixture, then add 2 cups of cold water to dilute and cool the tea.
- Add lemon slices and mint leaves to the pitcher, gently pressing them to release their aromatic oils without tearing the leaves.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and infuse. The longer it sits (up to 8 hours), the more pronounced the fruit flavors will become.
- Strain the tea through a fine-mesh sieve if you prefer a pulp-free drink, or leave the fruit pieces in for a more rustic presentation.
- Serve over ice in tall glasses, garnished with fresh peach slices, strawberry pieces, and mint sprigs for a visually stunning presentation.
Notes
- For a stronger tea flavor, use 5 tea bags instead of 4, but don’t increase steeping time.
- If using frozen fruit, there’s no need to thaw it first – it will help chill the tea as it infuses.
- Make a double batch and freeze some in ice cube trays to use as flavor-infused ice cubes that won’t dilute your tea.
- For an adult version, add a splash of white rum, vodka, or peach schnapps.
- The tea will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, though the fresh fruit flavors are most vibrant within the first 24 hours.
Calories & Nutritional Info
- Calories: Approximately 85 calories per 8oz serving (using honey)
- Carbohydrates: 22g per serving
- Sugar: 19g per serving (can be reduced by using less sweetener)
- Allergens: None common, suitable for most dietary needs
- Diet suitability: Vegan (if using sugar instead of honey), gluten-free, dairy-free
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Over-steeping the tea: This creates bitterness that can’t be fixed with sweetener. Set a timer for exactly 5 minutes.
- Using unripe fruit: Underripe peaches and strawberries won’t release enough flavor or sweetness. Choose fully ripe, aromatic fruit.
- Adding ice too soon: Wait until serving to add ice, or it will dilute the tea during storage and diminish the flavor.
- Over-muddling the fruit: A gentle press is all you need – excessive muddling creates cloudiness and can release bitter compounds from the seeds.
- Not cooling the tea before refrigerating: Adding hot tea directly to the refrigerator can raise the internal temperature and affect other foods.
Alternatives & Substitutions
- Tea base: Green tea creates a lighter flavor profile, while rooibos makes a caffeine-free version with earthy undertones.
- Sweeteners: Maple syrup, agave nectar, or stevia can replace honey or sugar. Each brings its own character to the final drink.
- Fruit variations: Try raspberries, blackberries, or nectarines if strawberries or peaches aren’t available. Mango and pineapple create a tropical twist.
- Herb infusions: Replace mint with basil, lemon verbena, or rosemary for different aromatic profiles.
- Sparkling version: Substitute half the cold water with sparkling water added just before serving for a bubbly refreshment.
FAQs
Can I make this tea with frozen fruit?
Absolutely! Frozen fruit works wonderfully in this recipe and actually helps chill the tea as it infuses. No need to thaw beforehand – just add directly to the pitcher with the hot tea.
How long will Strawberry Peach Iced Tea keep in the refrigerator?
This tea will stay fresh for up to 3 days when stored in a covered container in the refrigerator. The flavor is brightest within the first 24 hours, though the fruitiness mellows pleasantly over time.
Is this recipe caffeine-free?
The standard recipe contains caffeine from the black tea. For a caffeine-free version, substitute with decaffeinated black tea, rooibos tea, or herbal fruit tea bags.
Can I make this recipe ahead for a party?
Definitely! Prepare it up to 24 hours in advance, but wait to strain until shortly before serving. Keep the fruit pieces in during refrigeration for maximum flavor development.
How can I make this tea less sweet?
Start with half the recommended sweetener, then taste and adjust. The natural sweetness from ripe fruit means you can often reduce added sugar significantly while maintaining great flavor.
Final Thoughts
Strawberry Peach Iced Tea is more than just a beverage—it’s a celebration of summer’s bounty in liquid form. There’s something deeply satisfying about creating such a vibrant, flavorful drink from scratch. Whether you’re hosting friends or simply treating yourself on a warm afternoon, this refreshing concoction offers the perfect balance of familiar comfort and exciting flavor. Go ahead, pour yourself a glass, and toast to the simple pleasures of homemade goodness.
