This refreshing iced strawberry tea is made with a homemade strawberry simple syrup and steeped black tea, perfectly sweetened for summer sipping. Smooth and vibrant, it’s ideal for outdoor gatherings or cooling off on a hot day. With the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries and the bold depth of black tea, it’s a drink that tastes as good as it looks—bright, fruity, and satisfyingly cool.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Strawberry Tea brings together the classic comfort of iced tea with the summery sweetness of real strawberries. It’s made entirely from simple, wholesome ingredients with no artificial flavors or colors. The strawberry syrup infuses each sip with a burst of fruitiness, while the black tea adds a rich base that balances the sweetness. Easy to make in large batches, it’s perfect for barbecues, picnics, or just keeping a pitcher in the fridge for everyday refreshment.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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8 cups water, divided
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8 black tea bags
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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4 cups strawberries, chopped
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1½ cups granulated sugar
Directions
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In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
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Remove from heat and add the tea bags. Let steep for 5 minutes, then discard the tea bags.
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Pour the steeped tea into a large pitcher. Add 4 more cups of water and the baking soda, then stir to combine.
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In the same saucepan, combine the remaining 2 cups of water, chopped strawberries, and sugar. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 20 minutes.
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Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
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Strain through a fine mesh sieve, pressing the juice out of the berries with a spoon. Discard the pulp.
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Pour the strawberry syrup into the tea mixture and stir well.
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Chill in the refrigerator and serve over ice.
Servings and timing
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Servings: 8 drinks
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cooking Time: 20 minutes
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Total Time: 35 minutes
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Calories: Approximately 145 kcal per serving
Variations
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Herbal Twist: Use caffeine-free herbal tea like hibiscus or rooibos instead of black tea.
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Lemon Strawberry Tea: Add fresh lemon juice or lemon slices for a citrusy kick.
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Mint Infusion: Add a few sprigs of fresh mint to the pitcher for a cooling herbal note.
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Low Sugar Option: Use less sugar or replace with a natural sweetener like honey or stevia.
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Berry Blend: Swap some of the strawberries for raspberries or blueberries for a mixed berry version.
Storage/Reheating
Store the strawberry tea in a covered pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Stir well before serving, as natural separation may occur. This tea is meant to be served cold and does not require reheating. For best flavor, avoid leaving it at room temperature for extended periods.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen strawberries work well and can be simmered directly from frozen without thawing.
Why is baking soda added to iced tea?
Baking soda helps smooth out any bitterness from the tea and makes the flavor rounder and more balanced.
Can I make this tea ahead of time?
Absolutely. In fact, it’s best when made a few hours in advance to allow it to chill and the flavors to meld.
Is this recipe very sweet?
It’s moderately sweet, but you can adjust the sugar to your taste or substitute with a lower-sugar option.
Can I use green tea instead of black tea?
Yes, green tea offers a lighter base and pairs nicely with the strawberries for a fresher flavor.
How long does the strawberry syrup last?
The syrup can be stored separately in the refrigerator for up to 1 week in a sealed container.
Can I skip straining the strawberry syrup?
Straining is recommended for a smooth texture, but you can leave in some of the pulp if you prefer a more rustic drink.
What’s the best way to serve this tea?
Over ice, garnished with fresh strawberry slices or mint leaves for presentation.
Can I carbonate this tea?
Yes, mix the strawberry syrup with sparkling water and chilled tea just before serving for a fizzy version.
Is this tea caffeine-free?
Not if made with black tea. To make it caffeine-free, use a caffeine-free herbal tea base.
Conclusion
Strawberry Tea is the perfect way to stay refreshed and hydrated while enjoying the flavors of the season. With its vibrant color, natural sweetness, and balanced flavor, it’s a crowd-pleasing drink for any warm-weather occasion. Easy to make, customizable, and naturally delicious, it’s sure to become your go-to summer beverage.
Print
Strawberry Tea
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 drinks
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This refreshing iced strawberry tea is made with a homemade strawberry simple syrup and steeped black tea, perfectly sweetened for summer sipping. Smooth and vibrant, it’s ideal for outdoor gatherings or cooling off on a hot day.
Ingredients
- 8 cups water, divided
- 8 black tea bags
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 4 cups strawberries, chopped
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
- Remove from heat and add the tea bags. Let steep for 5 minutes, then discard tea bags.
- Pour the steeped tea into a large pitcher and add 4 more cups of water along with the baking soda. Stir to combine.
- In the same saucepan, combine the remaining 2 cups of water, chopped strawberries, and sugar. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 20 minutes.
- Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
- Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve, pressing the juice out of the berries. Discard the pulp.
- Pour the strawberry syrup into the tea mixture and stir well.
- Chill and serve over ice.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor.
- Adjust sugar to taste depending on sweetness of strawberries.
- For a caffeine-free version, substitute with herbal tea.
- Add lemon slices or mint for extra freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 drink
- Calories: 145 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 65 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
