Description

Southern Strawberry Sweet Iced Tea is a refreshing and vibrant beverage that marries the deep, rich flavors of classic Southern sweet tea with the natural sweetness and brightness of fresh strawberries. Perfect for warm days, this easy-to-make iced tea features a balanced sweetness and a fruity twist, making it an ideal drink for relaxing afternoons, gatherings, or casual enjoyment.

Ingredients

Scale

Tea Base

6 black tea bags
8 cups water (for brewing tea and syrup)
Ice cubes (as needed for serving)

Strawberry Syrup

2 cups fresh strawberries, washed and hulled
1 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste; can substitute with honey, agave syrup, or stevia)
1/2 cup water (for syrup)

Optional

2 tablespoons lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Fresh strawberry slices or mint sprigs (for garnish)

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Instructions

Step 1: Brew Your Tea – Start by boiling 8 cups of fresh water. Steep 6 black tea bags in the boiling water for 5 to 7 minutes depending on how strong you prefer your tea. Remove the tea bags and let the tea cool slightly to lukewarm.
Step 2: Prepare the Strawberry Syrup – While the tea brews, combine 2 cups of washed and hulled strawberries with 1 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until the strawberries break down and the mixture thickens into a syrup. Strain the syrup to remove seeds and pulp if desired for a smooth finish.
Step 3: Mix Tea and Syrup – Once the brewed tea has cooled to lukewarm, stir in the prepared strawberry syrup thoroughly. Add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice if desired to brighten the flavors. Mix well until fully combined.
Step 4: Chill and Serve – Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the Southern Strawberry Sweet Iced Tea over the ice. Garnish with fresh strawberry slices or a sprig of mint for an appealing presentation. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Notes

Use fresh strawberries to achieve the best natural sweetness and flavor.
Do not over-brew the tea to prevent any bitterness; time the steep carefully.
Sweeten gradually and taste while mixing to achieve your preferred sweetness level.
Allow tea to cool completely before adding ice to avoid dilution.
Straining the strawberry syrup ensures a smooth texture free from seeds and pulp.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Beverage
Method: Brewing
Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 glass (about 8 oz)
Calories: 120
Sugar: 25g
Sodium: 5mg
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 31g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg