Strawberry Sweet Tea

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When the sun is high and the days stretch long, there’s nothing quite as refreshing as a tall glass of Strawberry Sweet Tea. This Southern classic gets a fruity twist with juicy strawberries, making it the ultimate summertime sip. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, lounging by the pool, or enjoying a quiet afternoon on the porch, this drink brings the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and cool.

Strawberry Sweet Tea combines the familiar comfort of black tea with the vibrant freshness of ripe strawberries. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare in advance and even easier to customize. Want it more tart? Add a splash of lemon. Prefer it sweeter? Adjust the sugar to taste. However you pour it, this iced tea is made for moments worth savoring.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Making Strawberry Sweet Tea is all about simplicity, but the right tools will elevate your results:

• Medium Saucepan: Crucial for simmering the strawberries with sugar and water to create the strawberry syrup that flavors the tea.
• Fine Mesh Strainer: Needed to strain the strawberry mixture, ensuring your tea stays smooth and free from pulp or seeds.
• Large Heatproof Pitcher: Ideal for combining hot brewed tea with the strawberry syrup and ice without cracking.
• Wooden Spoon: Helps stir everything together without reacting with the tea.
• Sharp Knife & Cutting Board: Essential for slicing fresh strawberries to infuse or garnish.
• Tea Kettle or Additional Saucepan: For boiling water and steeping tea bags efficiently.

These everyday tools make this drink a breeze to prepare while keeping cleanup simple.

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Ingredients for the Strawberry Sweet Tea

Each ingredient plays a key role in building the flavor of this chilled treat:

• Fresh Strawberries – The heart of the recipe. They bring vibrant color, natural sweetness, and a summery aroma.
• Granulated Sugar – Helps draw out the juice from the strawberries and enhances their sweetness.
• Water – Used in both the syrup and for steeping the tea. Clean, filtered water ensures the best flavor.
• Black Tea Bags – The bold base of the drink. Choose a strong black tea like Luzianne or Lipton.
• Lemon Juice (Optional) – Adds a citrusy brightness that balances the sweetness.
• Ice Cubes – Keeps the tea cold and refreshing, perfect for hot days.
• Extra Strawberries for Garnish – Optional, but they add a fresh look and extra flavor.

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How To Make the Strawberry Sweet Tea

Step 1: Make the Strawberry Syrup

In a saucepan, combine sliced strawberries, sugar, and 1 cup of water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for about 10 minutes until the berries are soft and the syrup is fragrant. Use a spoon to mash the berries gently.

Step 2: Strain the Syrup

Remove the mixture from heat and let it cool slightly. Pour it through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl or measuring cup, pressing to extract as much syrup as possible. Discard the solids.

Step 3: Brew the Tea

Bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add 4-5 black tea bags and steep for 5-7 minutes depending on how strong you like your tea. Remove the tea bags and let the tea cool slightly.

Step 4: Combine Syrup and Tea

In a large pitcher, combine the brewed tea and the strawberry syrup. Stir well to mix. If using lemon juice, add it now to taste.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Add ice to the pitcher or pour the tea over individual glasses filled with ice. Garnish with extra strawberries or a lemon slice for a pretty touch. Serve immediately and enjoy.

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How to Serve and Store Strawberry Sweet Tea

Strawberry Sweet Tea is best served ice-cold in tall glasses, garnished with a few fresh strawberry slices or a sprig of mint. It pairs perfectly with summer cookouts, brunch spreads, or as a cooling treat after a long day in the sun.

If you’re preparing it for a crowd, serve it in a large beverage dispenser with plenty of ice and fruit garnish for a gorgeous, self-serve setup. For a fun twist, freeze some of the tea in ice cube trays and use them in the glasses so the flavor never waters down.

To store, keep any leftover tea in an airtight pitcher in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days. Be sure to give it a stir before serving again, as natural fruit sediment may settle at the bottom.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What type of tea works best for this recipe?

Classic black tea is ideal. It has a robust flavor that stands up well to the sweetness of the strawberry syrup. Luzianne, Lipton, or any strong blend will do.

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes! If fresh strawberries aren’t in season, frozen ones work just as well. Just thaw them before cooking into syrup.

How do I make it less sweet?

You can reduce the sugar in the syrup or brew a stronger tea to balance the flavors. Adding a splash of lemon juice also helps cut the sweetness.

Can I turn this into a cocktail?

Absolutely! Add a shot of vodka, bourbon, or spiked lemonade for an adults-only twist.

Is it okay to make this ahead of time?

Definitely. You can make both the syrup and tea a day in advance. Just store separately in the fridge and mix when ready to serve.

Does this recipe double well?

It does! Perfect for parties or potlucks. Just be sure to use a large enough pot and pitcher.

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Want More Drink Ideas with a Fruity Twist?

If you’re loving this Strawberry Sweet Tea, there are more refreshing recipes on Life With Olivia to keep your glass full and flavorful:

• Non-Alcoholic Christmas Sangria for a festive citrus blend.
• Orange Dreamsicle Salad that doubles as a drinkable dessert.
• Pineapple Coconut Dream Cake if you love tropical flair with your sweets.
• Apple Enchiladas served with a chilled apple cider.
• Peanut Butter Texas Sheet Cake to pair with a tall glass of milk or iced tea.

And for even more inspiration, check out my daily recipe pins on Pinterest here: Life With Olivia on Pinterest.

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Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest drinks board so you can come back to it anytime.

And when you do try it, let me know in the comments how it turned out! Did you add lemon juice? Use frozen berries? Maybe gave it a bubbly soda twist?

I always love hearing how these recipes find their way into your kitchens and celebrations. Questions or tips of your own? Let’s chat below!

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