Strawberry Sweet Tea

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Sweet, tangy, and impossibly refreshing—Strawberry Sweet Tea is summer in a glass. Whether you’re sipping it on the porch with friends or pouring it into mason jars for a backyard picnic, this drink brings that classic Southern charm with a fruity twist. It’s bright, vibrant, and perfect for those long, sunny days.

What makes this tea irresistible is the balance of rich black tea and juicy, ripe strawberries. The sweetness is just right—not overpowering—and the fresh fruit adds a splash of fun. And the best part? It’s easy to whip up a big batch, so you’ll always have a pitcher ready to go when the cravings hit.

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What Kind of Tea Should I Use for Strawberry Sweet Tea?

You’ll want to stick with classic black tea bags for this recipe. They give the bold, deep tea flavor that stands up to the strawberry syrup and ice. Look for family-sized black tea bags, or go with your favorite standard size and adjust the amount. Avoid flavored teas or green tea—this drink really shines with a pure black tea base.

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Ingredients for the Strawberry Sweet Tea

• Black tea bags: The heart of this drink. Use a good-quality black tea that brews strong and smooth.
• Fresh strawberries: These are cooked into a syrup that gives the tea its natural berry sweetness.
• Granulated sugar: Balances the tartness of the strawberries and sweetens the tea base.
• Lemon juice: Adds a pop of brightness and enhances the strawberry flavor.
• Water: For both brewing the tea and making the syrup.
• Ice: To chill it all down and make it crisp and refreshing.

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How To Make the Strawberry Sweet Tea

Step 1: Make the Strawberry Syrup

Start by hulling and slicing 1 pound of fresh strawberries. Add them to a saucepan with 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the strawberries are softened and syrupy. Use a fine mesh strainer to strain out the solids. Set the syrup aside to cool.

Step 2: Brew the Black Tea

In a separate pot, boil 4 cups of water. Add 4 family-sized black tea bags (or 12 regular-sized bags) and let steep for 10 minutes. Remove the tea bags and let the tea cool slightly.

Step 3: Combine and Chill

In a large pitcher, combine the brewed tea with the cooled strawberry syrup and the juice of one lemon. Add 4 more cups of cold water and stir to mix. Taste and adjust the sweetness or lemon if desired.

Step 4: Serve Over Ice

Fill glasses with ice and pour the strawberry sweet tea over the top. Garnish with fresh strawberry slices or lemon wedges if you’re feeling fancy.

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Serving and Storing This Tea

This Strawberry Sweet Tea is best served chilled over plenty of ice. It makes the perfect drink for picnics, brunches, or lazy summer afternoons. You can even dress it up with sparkling water for a fizzy version.

Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just give it a quick stir before serving, as some of the strawberry syrup may settle at the bottom. For extra flair, prep some strawberry slices or lemon rounds to float in the pitcher.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this tea less sweet?

You can simply reduce the amount of sugar in the syrup or use a sugar substitute like honey or stevia.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes! Just thaw them first before making the syrup. Frozen strawberries work just as well and are great out of season.

Is this tea caffeinated?

Since it uses black tea, it does contain caffeine. If you prefer a caffeine-free version, use a decaffeinated black tea.

Can I make it in advance?

Absolutely. In fact, the flavors deepen the longer it sits. Make it a day ahead for even better flavor.

What if I don’t have lemons?

You can substitute with lime juice or skip it if needed, but it does help brighten up the strawberry notes.

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Want More Drink Ideas?

If you’re into fruity and refreshing beverages like this one, check out these creative drinks from my collection:

• Strawberry Dirty Sprite for a fizzy twist with bold berry flavor.
• Blueberry Swirl Yogurt Bites if you love berry goodness in frozen form.
• Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding when you’re craving dessert with your drink.
• Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes for a sippable tea and snack pairing.
• Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Salad to go all in on the berry theme.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest drink board so you can come back to it whenever the sun is calling for something cold.

And don’t forget to share how your batch turned out! Did you go heavy on the lemon? Add a splash of sparkling water? I love seeing how you make these recipes your own.

Looking for more fruity recipes? Browse my daily recipe pins on Pinterest @LifeWithNinaRecipes for more inspiration.

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