Name: Southern Strawberry Sweet Tea
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: PT-486335H1M25S
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: For the strawberry simple syrup:; 3 cups strawberries, washed, stems removed, and sliced (should measure 3 cups after slicing); 2 cups water; 1 cup sugar; For the sweet tea:; 3 cups boiling water; 3 family-sized Lipton original tea bags; 1 cup sugar; 8 cups cold water (in a large pitcher); 1 lemon, juiced; 1 lemon, sliced or cut into wedges for garnish; 6-8 strawberries (washed, stems on, with a cut at the bottom for garnish); Ice

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This Southern strawberry sweet tea is the ultimate summer drink, blending the sweetness of ripe strawberries with the perfect balance of tea and a hint of lemon. It’s a refreshing, fruity treat that’s perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or just when you need to cool down with something sweet and delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The combination of strawberries, lemon, and tea makes for a refreshing drink that’s both sweet and tangy, with just the right amount of tea flavor to balance it all out. The strawberry simple syrup adds a burst of fruity sweetness to the tea, while the lemon gives it a zesty kick. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, enjoying a lazy afternoon, or serving it at a picnic, this Southern strawberry sweet tea will impress everyone with its vibrant color and delightful taste. It’s easy to make and incredibly refreshing!

Southern Strawberry Sweet Tea

Ingredients

For the strawberry simple syrup:

3 cups strawberries, washed, stems removed, and sliced (should measure 3 cups after slicing)
2 cups water
1 cup sugar

For the sweet tea:

3 cups boiling water
3 family-sized Lipton original tea bags
1 cup sugar
8 cups cold water (in a large pitcher)
1 lemon, juiced
1 lemon, sliced or cut into wedges for garnish
6-8 strawberries (washed, stems on, with a cut at the bottom for garnish)
Ice

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Make the Strawberry Simple Syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups of water, 1 cup of sugar, and the sliced strawberries. Cook over medium-high heat and bring to a boil.
Simmer the Syrup: Reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the strawberries are soft and the liquid turns a deep red color.
Strain the Syrup: Strain the strawberries using a mesh strainer into your pitcher. Gently press the strawberries, but be careful not to press too hard, as you want to avoid any strawberry chunks in your tea.
Prepare the Tea: While the strawberry simple syrup is cooling in the pitcher, place 3 cups of hot water in a large bowl. Add the 3 family-sized tea bags to the hot water and let them steep for 5 minutes.
Sweeten the Tea: After removing the tea bags, stir 1 cup of sugar into the tea until fully dissolved.
Combine Tea and Syrup: Pour the sweetened tea from the bowl into the pitcher with the strawberry simple syrup.
Add Cold Water and Lemon: Add 8 cups of cold water to the pitcher and stir well. Then, add the juice of 1 lemon and mix again.
Chill the Tea: Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours, or until the tea is very cold.
Serve: Serve the tea over ice, garnished with lemon wedges and strawberries. Enjoy your refreshing Southern strawberry sweet tea!

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 14 servings

Variations

Add Mint: For a refreshing twist, add a few sprigs of fresh mint to the tea before serving.
Berry Blend: Add raspberries or blackberries to the simple syrup for an extra burst of berry flavor.
Sweetness Level: Adjust the sugar to your taste if you prefer a sweeter or less sweet tea.
Sparkling Version: For a fizzy version, add sparkling water or club soda instead of cold water to give your sweet tea a fun, bubbly twist.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the strawberry sweet tea in an airtight pitcher or container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating: This is best served cold and does not need reheating. Simply add more ice if the tea warms up during serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen strawberries for the simple syrup?

Yes, frozen strawberries will work just as well. Thaw them before cooking to ensure the flavors meld properly.

2. Can I make the simple syrup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the strawberry simple syrup in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to make the tea.

3. Can I make this recipe with green tea?

Absolutely! If you prefer green tea, feel free to swap it for the black tea. It will offer a lighter, more delicate flavor.

4. How can I make this tea less sweet?

Reduce the amount of sugar in both the simple syrup and the tea, or use a sugar substitute like stevia to control the sweetness.

5. Can I use store-bought strawberry syrup instead of making my own?

Yes, you can use store-bought strawberry syrup, but making it from scratch gives you the freshest flavor and control over sweetness.

6. Can I use lemon juice from a bottle?

Fresh lemon juice is always best for flavor, but you can use bottled lemon juice if necessary.

7. How can I make this tea more tart?

Add extra lemon juice or a bit of lemon zest to increase the tartness of the tea.

8. Can I freeze this tea for later?

Yes, you can freeze the tea in an ice cube tray or a larger container. This is a great way to keep it cool without diluting the flavor when serving.

9. Can I make this tea in a smaller batch?

Yes, simply halve the ingredients for a smaller batch of strawberry sweet tea.

Conclusion

This Southern strawberry sweet tea is the ultimate summer refresher, perfect for hot days, picnics, and gatherings. Combining the sweetness of strawberries, the tanginess of lemon, and the richness of tea, it’s a delicious and easy-to-make drink that everyone will love. Whether you’re serving it for a crowd or enjoying it on a quiet afternoon, this homemade strawberry sweet tea is sure to keep you cool and satisfied all summer long!