Homemade Strawberry Sweet Tea
A refreshing Southern-inspired beverage combining robust black tea with sweet, juicy strawberries and a touch of sugar. This ruby-red drink balances tangy and sweet notes perfectly for an elevated take on classic sweet tea.
Ingredients
- 6 cups water divided
- 4-5 black tea bags or 2 tablespoons loose leaf tea
- 2 cups fresh strawberries hulled and sliced
- ½ cup granulated sugar adjust to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Ice cubes for serving
- Fresh strawberry slices and mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the strawberry syrup by combining sliced strawberries with ½ cup water and sugar in a medium saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and cook for about 5 minutes until strawberries soften and release their color.
- Mash the strawberries with a wooden spoon against the side of the pan to extract maximum flavor and color. Continue to simmer for another 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat and let the strawberry mixture cool for about 10 minutes. Then strain through a fine-mesh strainer into a bowl, pressing gently to extract all the juice. Set aside the strawberry syrup.
- Boil 4 cups of water in a separate pot. Once boiling, remove from heat, add the tea bags, and let steep for 5-7 minutes depending on how strong you prefer your tea.
- Remove the tea bags and pour the brewed tea into a large pitcher.
- Add the strawberry syrup to the tea and stir well to combine. The tea will immediately take on a beautiful reddish hue.
- Pour in the remaining 1½ cups of cold water and the lemon juice. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Refrigerate until chilled, at least 2 hours or overnight for the best flavor development.
- Serve over ice in tall glasses, garnished with fresh strawberry slices and mint leaves if desired.
Notes
- For an extra strawberry punch, reserve some of the mashed strawberry pulp from straining and add a spoonful to each glass before serving.
- This tea can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in a sealed container.
- For a more adult version, add a splash of bourbon or vodka to individual servings.
- The strawberry syrup can be made ahead of time and stored separately in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- If using frozen strawberries, thaw completely before making the syrup and use the released juices.