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There is something irresistibly refreshing about a sweet, fruity twist on classic iced tea, and this Southern Strawberry Sweet Iced Tea Recipe captures that perfectly. It combines the deep, comforting flavors of brewed tea with the natural sweetness and bright pop of fresh strawberries, creating a vibrant drink that’s as invigorating as a warm afternoon on the porch. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or simply need a cooling companion for your day, this recipe offers a delightful balance of sweetness, tartness, and that signature Southern charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Southern Strawberry Sweet Iced Tea Recipe lies in how simple the ingredients are, yet each element plays a vital role in building flavor, texture, and that stunning pink hue. From hearty tea bags to luscious strawberries and just the right amount of sugar, every component is thoughtfully chosen to make your iced tea unforgettable.
- 4-5 family-size tea bags: Choose a robust brand like Luzianne for a deep, flavorful brew.
- 6 cups water, divided: Used part hot to brew and part cold to chill and dilute to the perfect strength.
- 4 cups ripe strawberries: Fresh and juicy strawberries deliver natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the tea just enough without overpowering the fruit.
- Frozen or fresh strawberries (optional garnish): Adds an inviting look and enhances the strawberry flavor in every sip.
- Fresh mint (optional garnish): Sprigs of mint bring a cool, herbaceous contrast that’s perfect for summer.
How to Make Southern Strawberry Sweet Iced Tea Recipe
Step 1: Brew the Tea
Start by boiling 2 cups of water, then removing it from the heat before adding your tea bags. Let the bags steep for a full 10 minutes to extract all that rich, robust flavor. After steeping, take out the bags—your tea base is ready to go!
Step 2: Prepare the Strawberries
While the tea steeps, chop your fresh strawberries into chunks. Pop them into a food processor and puree until silky smooth. This fresh strawberry puree is the heart of the Southern Strawberry Sweet Iced Tea Recipe, giving it that unmistakable fruity punch.
Step 3: Strain the Strawberry Puree
To keep your tea smooth and free of seeds or pulp, pour the strawberry puree through a fine mesh strainer set over a bowl. Press gently to extract as much juice as possible — that vibrant, sweet juice is what you’ll blend with the tea next.
Step 4: Combine Tea, Strawberry Juice, and Sugar
In a large pitcher, mix the brewed tea with the freshly strained strawberry juice and granulated sugar. Stir thoroughly until the sugar dissolves completely, ensuring every sip has consistent sweetness and flavor.
Step 5: Add Cold Water and Chill
Pour in the remaining 4 cups of cold water to balance the strength of the tea and strawberry sweetness. Stir again, then refrigerate the pitcher until the tea is thoroughly chilled—this step is crucial for that perfectly refreshing finish.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
When ready to serve, pour the iced tea over plenty of ice cubes. This chilled, fruity brew is now ready to delight you and your guests with each sippable, strawberry-spiked drop.
How to Serve Southern Strawberry Sweet Iced Tea Recipe
Garnishes
The right garnish can take your Southern Strawberry Sweet Iced Tea Recipe from delightful to downright stunning. Dropping a few frozen or fresh strawberries into each glass adds a beautiful burst of color and extra fruity flavor, while a sprig of fresh mint introduces a cooling aroma and a pop of green that looks as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This iced tea pairs beautifully with classic Southern fare. Think buttery biscuits, fried chicken, or a light cucumber salad. The sweet tartness of the tea balances savory and creamy dishes perfectly, making it a versatile companion for all your cookouts and family meals.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress? Serve your Southern Strawberry Sweet Iced Tea Recipe in mason jars or clear glasses to showcase its beautiful pink hue. Add striped paper straws for a fun, nostalgic touch. You might even create a cocktail version by adding a splash of sparkling water or a shot of bourbon for an adult twist on this Southern classic.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Southern Strawberry Sweet Iced Tea Recipe, no worries! Store it in an airtight pitcher or container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it chilled and give it a quick stir before serving to reincorporate any settled flavors.
Freezing
Freezing your strawberry sweet iced tea isn’t recommended because the tea and sugar mixture can change texture as it thaws, and the strawberry juice may separate. For best flavor and texture, enjoy fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
This recipe shines cold and refreshing, so reheating isn’t necessary. However, if you want a warm strawberry tea, consider brewing fresh tea and mixing it with warmed strawberry juice and sugar instead, to preserve that beautiful balance of flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work well and can actually be a great convenience; just thaw and puree them as you would fresh strawberries to get that same juicy, sweet taste in your iced tea.
Is there a substitute for granulated sugar?
You can try honey, agave syrup, or even simple syrup, but keep in mind these may subtly change the flavor profile. Granulated sugar provides a clean sweetness that’s traditional to Southern iced tea recipes.
How long can I keep the iced tea chilled?
Properly refrigerated, your Southern Strawberry Sweet Iced Tea Recipe will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days. Beyond that, flavors may start to dull and the strawberry juice can separate.
Can I make this recipe less sweet?
Definitely! Start by reducing the sugar to 1 cup and adjust to taste. Because the sweetness balances the natural tartness of the strawberries, it’s best to find the perfect balance for your palate.
What kind of tea bags should I use?
Traditional Southern iced tea uses strong black tea like Luzianne or Lipton. Their bold flavor holds up beautifully to the strawberry juice and sugar; milder teas may get lost in the mix.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason this Southern Strawberry Sweet Iced Tea Recipe has become a beloved go-to for warm weather refreshment. It’s easy to make, wonderfully flavorful, and perfectly suited to anytime you want to add a little sweetness and Southern charm to your day. I encourage you to try it for yourself—you’re going to love every sip and the delighted smiles it brings to friends and family.
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Southern Strawberry Sweet Iced Tea Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
This Southern Strawberry Sweet Iced Tea combines the classic refreshing taste of sweet iced tea with the natural sweetness and vibrant flavor of fresh strawberries. Perfect for hot days, this iced tea is brewed to perfection, sweetened generously, and infused with fresh strawberry juice for a delightful summertime beverage.
Ingredients
Tea Base
- 4–5 family-size tea bags (such as Luzianne)
- 6 cups water, divided
Strawberry Mixture
- 4 cups ripe strawberries (makes about 1 cup of juice)
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
Garnish (Optional)
- Frozen or fresh strawberries
- Fresh mint
Instructions
- Brew the Tea: In a small pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Remove from heat and add the tea bags. Allow them to steep for 10 minutes, then discard the tea bags to make a strong, concentrated tea base.
- Prepare the Strawberries: While the tea is steeping, dice the fresh ripe strawberries. Place these diced strawberries into a food processor and puree until smooth to release their natural juice and flavor.
- Strain the Strawberry Puree: Pour the pureed strawberries through a fine mesh strainer set over a bowl. This process separates the strawberry juice from the pulp. Reserve the juice and discard the leftover pulp to ensure a smooth tea.
- Combine Tea, Strawberry Juice, and Sugar: In a large pitcher, combine the brewed tea, reserved strawberry juice, and granulated sugar. Stir thoroughly until the sugar is completely dissolved, creating a sweet and fruity tea blend.
- Add Cold Water and Chill: Pour in the remaining 4 cups of cold water to dilute the concentration and stir to combine. Refrigerate the mixture until it is thoroughly chilled and ready to serve cold.
- Serve: Pour the chilled strawberry sweet tea over glasses filled with ice. Garnish each glass with frozen or fresh strawberries and fresh mint if desired for an elegant presentation. Enjoy immediately for the best refreshing experience.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of sugar to your preferred level of sweetness.
- For stronger tea flavor, steep the tea bags longer but be careful not to over-steep to avoid bitterness.
- If fresh strawberries are not available, frozen strawberries can be used, just thaw before pureeing.
- Use a fine mesh strainer to achieve a smooth texture without pulp in the final tea.
- This tea is best served chilled and consumed within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.
