Short Description

A refreshing and fruity twist on classic sweet tea—infused with ripe strawberries for natural sweetness and vibrant flavor, perfect for hot days or relaxed gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Naturally sweetened: Homemade strawberry syrup adds real fruit flavor—no artificial sweeteners
Easy to make: Just brew, simmer, chill, and serve
Customizable: Adjust sweetness, add lemon juice, or garnish with fresh strawberries
Perfect refreshment: Ideal for picnics, BBQs, or relaxing on the patio

Ingredients

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

4 to 5 black tea bags
4 cups water (for brewing tea)
1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 cup water (for making syrup)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, adds brightness)
Ice cubes, for serving
Additional strawberries, sliced, for garnish

Directions

Brew the Tea
Bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Remove from heat, add tea bags, and steep for 5–7 minutes. Discard the tea bags and let the tea cool to room temperature.
Make the Strawberry Syrup
In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of sliced strawberries, ¾ cup sugar, and 1 cup water. Simmer gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally and mashing the berries to release their juice.
Strain the Syrup
Use a fine mesh strainer to remove pulp, pressing gently on the strawberries to extract all the juice.
Combine Tea and Syrup
In a large pitcher, mix the cooled tea with the strawberry syrup. Stir in lemon juice if using.
Chill
Refrigerate the tea for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and for the drink to cool.
Serve
When ready, pour over ice cubes and garnish each glass with fresh strawberry slices. Stir gently before drinking if separation occurs.

Servings And Timing

Makes approximately 4–6 servings, depending on glass size
Prep time: ~5 minutes
Syrup cooking time: ~10 minutes
Brew and chill time: At least 1 hour
Total time: Around 1 hour and 15 minutes (mostly inactive time)

Variations

Lemon twist: Increase lemon juice or add lemon slices for a tart accent
Mint infusion: Add a few fresh mint sprigs to the pitcher or syrup for herbal notes
Sparkling version: Replace half the tea with sparkling water before serving
Mixed berry: Add raspberries or blueberries to the syrup for a berry medley
Lower sweetness: Reduce sugar in the syrup and sweeten to taste after chilling

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store in the pitcher or an airtight bottle for up to 3 days
Avoid reheating: Best served cold; if tea cools, stir and refresh with ice rather than heating
Keep syrup separate: To preserve color and flavor, store remaining syrup in its own container in the fridge for up to a week

FAQs

How long will it stay fresh?
When stored in the fridge, it remains flavorful for up to 3 days—best served chilled.

Can I use green or herbal tea?
Yes—green tea gives a lighter flavor, while herbal teas add unique aroma; adjust steeping time as needed.

Is it possible to make it sugar-free?
Yes—substitute sugar with honey, agave, or a sugar-free sweetener; flavor may vary slightly.

Can I skip the syrup straining?
You can, but the syrup will be pulpy. For a smooth drink, straining is recommended.

What’s the purpose of lemon juice?
It brightens the flavor and balances sweetness with a slight tang, but it’s optional.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes—use a larger pitcher and twice the ingredients to serve more people.

Is it kid-friendly?
Absolutely—this sweet and fruity tea is great for all ages (omit extra lemon if sensitive to acidity).

Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes—prepare both tea and syrup ahead, store separately, then combine and chill before serving.

How can I prevent separation?
Over time, syrup may settle—just stir gently before serving to reblend flavors.

Will this work with frozen strawberries?
Yes—use thawed frozen strawberries in the syrup step for similar results.

Conclusion

Strawberry Sweet Tea is a deliciously fresh take on a classic beverage—bright, fruity, and delightfully simple to make. With easy customization options and long-lasting fridge life, it’s the perfect drink for hot days, gatherings, or anytime you’re craving a cool, flavorful refreshment. Enjoy!