Strawberry Peach Iced Tea
A refreshingly fruity twist on classic iced tea featuring the summery combination of sweet strawberries and juicy peaches. This vibrantly colored beverage balances robust black tea with natural fruit sweetness for the ultimate warm-weather refreshment.
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.