Name: Strawberry Sweet Tea
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 4 black tea bags; 2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped; 1 cup sugar; 6 cups water; 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional); Ice, for serving

Imagine sipping on a cold, fruity, and perfectly sweetened glass of tea on a sunny afternoon. That’s exactly what this Strawberry Sweet Tea delivers—a refreshing Southern classic with a fresh, juicy berry twist. It’s the kind of drink that instantly lifts your spirits and adds a splash of summer to any day.

What makes this drink so irresistible is the blend of brewed black tea with a homemade strawberry syrup. The balance between robust tea flavor and natural sweetness is just right, making it a crowd-pleaser for family BBQs, weekend picnics, or simply cooling off at home.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Sweet Tea

This drink is more than just thirst-quenching—it’s packed with real strawberry flavor and none of the artificial stuff. You’ll love how easy it is to make in batches, perfect for entertaining guests or meal-prepping your beverages for the week. Plus, it can be served chilled over ice or even transformed into a fancy mocktail with a splash of soda water and mint.

What Kind of Tea Should I Use?

The best tea to use is classic black tea bags. Think of brands like Lipton or Luzianne, which are popular for their strong flavor and ideal for sweet tea recipes. However, if you prefer a more mellow flavor, you can experiment with green tea or even herbal varieties. Just remember that the tea base sets the tone, so choose one you love!

Ingredients for the Strawberry Sweet Tea

To create this luscious and flavorful drink, you’ll need just a few essential ingredients. Each one plays a unique role in enhancing the taste and refreshment level of your tea.

Black Tea Bags: The foundation of any good sweet tea. They provide a bold and traditional base flavor that balances beautifully with the sweetness.
Fresh Strawberries: These are the stars of the show. They bring a vibrant color, natural sweetness, and a lovely fruity aroma to your tea.
Sugar: Essential for making the strawberry syrup and sweetening the tea. Adjust the amount to your preferred sweetness.
Water: Used in both brewing the tea and cooking the strawberries into syrup. Make sure it’s filtered for the best flavor.
Lemon Juice (optional): Adds a zesty touch that brightens up the overall taste and enhances the strawberry flavor.
Ice: Because no sweet tea is complete without a generous amount of ice to cool it down and make it extra refreshing.

How To Make the Strawberry Sweet Tea

Step 1: Brew the Tea

Bring water to a boil and steep your black tea bags for 5 to 10 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea. Once done, remove the bags and let the tea cool.

Step 2: Make the Strawberry Syrup

In a saucepan, combine chopped strawberries, sugar, and a bit of water. Cook on medium heat until the strawberries break down and the mixture thickens into a syrup. Strain the syrup to remove solids.

Step 3: Combine and Chill

Mix the cooled tea with the strawberry syrup in a large pitcher. Stir well and add a splash of lemon juice if using. Refrigerate until thoroughly chilled.

Step 4: Serve Over Ice

Fill glasses with ice, pour the strawberry sweet tea over, and garnish with fresh strawberry slices or a sprig of mint for a beautiful touch.

How to Serve and Store Strawberry Sweet Tea

Strawberry Sweet Tea is best served chilled, poured over a tall glass of ice. For a touch of elegance, garnish each glass with a strawberry slice or a wedge of lemon. This recipe yields about 6 to 8 servings, making it ideal for small gatherings, family dinners, or lazy weekend afternoons.

To store, keep the tea in a sealed pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you’ve added lemon juice, you might notice a slight change in color over time, but the taste will remain delicious. Stir before serving as natural settling can occur.

What to Serve With Strawberry Sweet Tea?

H3: Fried Chicken

Classic Southern fried chicken pairs perfectly with sweet tea. The crispy, salty flavor is balanced by the fruity sweetness.

H3: BBQ Ribs

Sticky, smoky ribs and strawberry tea are a match made in backyard heaven.

H3: Garden Salads

A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the tea.

H3: Pimento Cheese Sandwiches

This Southern staple works well with fruity drinks like strawberry tea.

H3: Cornbread

Soft, buttery cornbread served warm with a glass of iced tea is comforting and delicious.

H3: Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Light and flavorful, grilled shrimp brings a summery vibe that goes beautifully with fruity tea.

H3: Peach Cobbler

Finish your meal with a fruity dessert that complements the strawberry notes in the tea.

H3: Deviled Eggs

Savory and creamy, deviled eggs add a perfect finger-food option for gatherings featuring strawberry sweet tea.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes! Frozen strawberries work just as well and are a great option when fresh ones aren’t in season. Just make sure to thaw them before making the syrup.

How can I make this tea less sweet?
Simply reduce the amount of sugar in the syrup or brew a stronger tea base to balance the sweetness.

Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely. Strawberry sweet tea can be made up to 3 days in advance. Store it in the fridge and give it a good stir before serving.

What other fruits can I try?
Feel free to experiment with raspberries, blueberries, or peaches. You can use the same syrup method to infuse your tea with different fruity flavors.

Is it caffeine-free?
Since it’s made with black tea, it does contain caffeine. If you prefer a caffeine-free option, use a decaf black tea or an herbal tea base.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add lemon juice or try a different fruit? Maybe even made it sparkling?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other sip smarter.

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Conclusion

Strawberry Sweet Tea is more than a drink—it’s a refreshing experience that brings summer vibes into any season. With a perfect balance of sweet and fruity, this tea is easy to make, endlessly customizable, and always a hit. Whether you’re planning a picnic, throwing a party, or just treating yourself to a flavorful break, this recipe will never let you down.

Strawberry Sweet Tea

Author: Tanya Rivers
Total Time: 25
Yield: 6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Quench your thirst with this irresistibly fruity and refreshing Strawberry Sweet Tea. Perfect for sunny afternoons, weekend gatherings, or just a relaxing sip on the porch, this easy recipe blends bold black tea with homemade strawberry syrup for a burst of real berry flavor. Whether you’re searching for a quick drink idea, summer refreshment, or healthy mocktail option, this drink hits the spot. It’s simple, delicious, and full of fresh vibes—exactly what you want in an easy recipe.