Nora
Refreshing, fruity, and perfectly balanced, Strawberry Sweet Tea is the ultimate drink to enjoy on a sunny afternoon or during a backyard gathering. This vibrant red beverage combines the classic Southern sweet tea with the juicy sweetness of ripe strawberries, creating a drink that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. With its fresh flavor and cooling effect, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd favorite.
Imagine sipping on an ice-cold glass filled with strawberry slices and the subtle aroma of freshly brewed tea, while a light breeze carries the scent of summer. This homemade sweet tea is not only visually stunning but also incredibly easy to make, bringing a burst of flavor to your everyday refreshments.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Sweet Tea
- Bursting with fresh strawberry flavor and a hint of natural sweetness.
- Perfect for picnics, BBQs, or just a relaxing afternoon on the porch.
- Easy to make in big batches for family and friends.
- Customizable with herbs like mint or a splash of lemon for extra brightness.
What Kind of Tea Should I Use for Strawberry Sweet Tea?
Traditional black tea is the classic choice for sweet tea because of its robust flavor that pairs perfectly with sweet strawberries. For a lighter and fruitier twist, you can also try green tea or a caffeine-free herbal option if you prefer a gentler flavor profile.
Ingredients for Strawberry Sweet Tea
Every ingredient in this drink works together to create a refreshing and vibrant experience. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Fresh Strawberries – Provide the natural sweetness and beautiful color for the tea.
- Black Tea Bags – The base of a traditional sweet tea, offering rich flavor.
- Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the tea perfectly, balancing the tartness of strawberries.
- Water – Used for steeping the tea and creating the strawberry syrup.
- Lemon Slices (Optional) – Adds a bright citrusy note to enhance the overall flavor.
- Ice Cubes – Keep your tea chilled and refreshing.
How To Make the Strawberry Sweet Tea
Step 1: Brew the Tea
Bring water to a boil, then steep the black tea bags for 5–7 minutes. Remove the bags and let the tea cool slightly.
Step 2: Make the Strawberry Syrup
Blend fresh strawberries with a bit of sugar and water, then simmer the mixture to create a fragrant syrup.
Step 3: Strain and Combine
Strain the strawberry syrup to remove seeds and pulp. Mix it with the brewed tea in a large pitcher.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Refrigerate until cold. Pour over a glass filled with ice cubes and garnish with strawberry slices and optional lemon wedges.
Serving and Storing Strawberry Sweet Tea
This Strawberry Sweet Tea recipe yields about 6–8 servings, making it perfect for family meals or gatherings. Serve it in clear glasses to show off the vibrant color, and garnish with fresh strawberries and a slice of lemon for a beautiful presentation.
To store, keep any leftover tea in a sealed pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving, as the natural strawberry syrup can settle at the bottom.
What to Serve With Strawberry Sweet Tea?
1. Southern Fried Chicken
The crispy, savory flavor of fried chicken pairs beautifully with the sweet and refreshing tea.
2. Barbecue Ribs
Rich and smoky ribs are perfectly balanced by the light fruitiness of this drink.
3. Fresh Garden Salads
A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette enhances the freshness of the strawberry tea.
4. Cornbread or Biscuits
Soft, buttery breads add a comforting touch to a summer meal.
5. Grilled Vegetables
Lightly charred veggies complement the fruit-forward drink.
6. Shrimp Skewers
Seafood and citrusy strawberry notes create a coastal summer vibe.
7. Fruit Platters
Enhance the drink with watermelon, cantaloupe, or citrus slices for a colorful spread.
8. Mini Desserts
Pair with cheesecakes, cupcakes, or fruit tarts for a sweet finish.
Want More Refreshing Drink Ideas?
If you love this fruity Strawberry Sweet Tea, you’ll enjoy these refreshing options from my collection as well:
- Christmas Frost Fairy Punch – A festive and colorful punch.
- Orange Dreamsicle Salad – A creamy and fruity dessert-salad.
- Sweet Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls – A dessert twist that pairs well with tea.
- Magic Lemon Cobbler – Perfectly tangy and sweet.
- Banana Bread Cookies – Soft cookies that complement tea time.
Save This Pin For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest beverage board so you can revisit it whenever you crave a refreshing homemade drink.
I’d love to hear how your Strawberry Sweet Tea turned out! Did you add lemon, mint, or maybe a splash of sparkling water for a twist? Share your variations and tips in the comments.
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Strawberry Sweet Tea
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Blender
- Pitcher
- Strainer
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 6 cups water
- 5 black tea bags
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup ice cubes (or as needed)
- 1 lemon, sliced for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Bring 4 cups of water to a boil, then remove from heat and steep black tea bags for 5–7 minutes.
- While tea steeps, blend strawberries with 1 cup water until smooth.
- Transfer strawberry puree to a saucepan with sugar; simmer for 5 minutes to create a syrup.
- Strain syrup to remove seeds and combine with brewed tea in a large pitcher.
- Add remaining 2 cups of cold water to dilute and chill in the refrigerator.
- Serve over ice, garnished with fresh strawberries and optional lemon slices.