If you’re looking for a sip of pure sunshine, you’re in the right spot! This Southern Strawberry Sweet Iced Tea Recipe captures the beauty of sweet tea tradition and marries it with the juicy brightness of fresh strawberries. It’s a vibrant, cool, and thirst-quenching drink that instantly takes me back to summer porches and garden parties. With every pink-tinged glass, you’ll discover why the South treasures iced tea — especially when strawberries are in season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
For the Tea:
- 8 cups water (divided)
- 4 black tea bags
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (optional, for smoothness)
For the Strawberry Syrup:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries (hulled and sliced)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
For Garnish:
- Ice cubes
- Fresh strawberries and lemon slices (optional)
How to Make Southern Strawberry Sweet Iced Tea Recipe
Step 1: Brew the Black Tea
Start by bringing 4 cups of water to a gentle boil in a saucepan. Once the bubbles rise, take the pan off the heat and let your black tea bags soak in the hot water. Give them 5 to 7 minutes to release their rich, classic flavors. If you want extra-smooth tea, this is the moment to stir in the baking soda after removing the bags—it’s a tried-and-true Southern trick that’s well worth it!
Step 2: Prepare the Strawberry Syrup
While your tea is brewing, grab a second saucepan and combine the sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, and 1 cup of water. Let this bubble gently over medium heat, stirring now and then, for about 5 to 7 minutes. Your kitchen will fill with the sweet aroma of simmering fruit, and you’ll know it’s ready when the strawberries are soft and the sugar fully dissolved.
Step 3: Strain the Strawberry Syrup
Pour the hot strawberry mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a large pitcher. Press the berries gently to extract every drop of that jewel-toned syrup, then discard the solids. If you love an extra-berry experience, feel free to blend the syrup before straining for even more color and flavor.
Step 4: Combine Tea and Syrup
Add your freshly brewed tea right into the pitcher with the strawberry syrup. Then, pour in the remaining 3 cups of cold water. Stir everything together—watch the gorgeous pink hue swirl and settle!
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Pop your pitcher into the refrigerator for at least an hour, or until the tea is good and cold. When you’re ready to serve, fill tall glasses with plenty of ice. Pour in the Southern Strawberry Sweet Iced Tea Recipe, garnishing with extra strawberry slices or a cheerful wedge of lemon if you like.
How to Serve Southern Strawberry Sweet Iced Tea Recipe
Garnishes
This tea shines brightest when dressed up with fresh garnishes. Float strawberry slices in each glass for a burst of fruity color, or tuck in a few lemon wheels to add a lovely citrusy aroma. A sprig of fresh mint can turn every cup into something straight out of a Southern garden party.
Side Dishes
The Southern Strawberry Sweet Iced Tea Recipe pairs beautifully with both sweet and savory spreads. Try serving it alongside flaky biscuits, summer salads, or a platter of fried chicken. It’s the perfect beverage for everything from breezy brunches to backyard barbecues.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or showers, consider serving this tea in mason jars with colorful paper straws, or in a stunning glass pitcher so everyone can admire its blushing hue. You can even freeze strawberry slices into your ice cubes—the prettiest way to keep your drinks frosty without watering them down.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover tea (which isn’t likely), just pour it into a covered pitcher or airtight container and tuck it into the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to three days—if it lasts that long!
Freezing
While you might not want to freeze the whole pitcher, you can certainly freeze the strawberry syrup in ice cube trays for future tea batches or quick berry-infused drinks. Pop out a few cubes as needed—perfect for impromptu sipping!
Reheating
There’s usually no need to reheat since this drink is best icy-cold. If you want to serve the strawberry syrup warm over pancakes or waffles, gently reheat it on the stove, but the Southern Strawberry Sweet Iced Tea Recipe is always coolest when chilled.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries if fresh aren’t available?
Absolutely! Frozen strawberries are a fantastic substitute when fresh are out of season. Just thaw and use them as directed; your tea will still be vibrant and flavorful.
Is it necessary to add baking soda?
No, the baking soda is optional, but it’s an old Southern secret for smoothing out any bitterness in your tea. If you prefer your tea without it, feel free to skip this step.
Can I substitute another type Beverage
While black tea is traditional and gives the classic flavor, you can experiment with green or herbal teas if you want a twist. The end result will be a little different, but delicious in its own way.
How can I make this Southern Strawberry Sweet Iced Tea Recipe less sweet?
For a lighter sweetness, simply reduce the sugar to about 1/2 cup, or sweeten to taste. You can also try a sugar substitute if you’re watching your sugar intake.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! The Southern Strawberry Sweet Iced Tea Recipe doubles and even triples beautifully. Just grab a bigger pot and a bigger pitcher, and get ready for plenty of compliments.
Final Thoughts
The Southern Strawberry Sweet Iced Tea Recipe is more than just a summer drink—it’s a little pitcher of joy you can share with everyone you love. Give it a try, pour yourself a tall glass, and soak in those sweet Southern vibes. I can’t wait for you to taste it!
Print
Southern Strawberry Sweet Iced Tea Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free
Description
Indulge in the refreshing and sweet flavors of the South with this Southern Strawberry Sweet Iced Tea recipe. Perfect for a hot summer day or a relaxing afternoon treat.
Ingredients
For the Tea:
- 8 cups water (divided)
- 4 black tea bags
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (optional, for smoothness)
For the Strawberry Syrup:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries (hulled and sliced)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
For Garnish:
- Ice cubes
- Fresh strawberries and lemon slices (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Tea: Bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Steep tea bags in the hot water for 5–7 minutes. Remove tea bags and stir in baking soda if desired.
- Make the Strawberry Syrup: In a separate saucepan, cook sliced strawberries, sugar, and 1 cup of water until soft. Strain the syrup into a pitcher.
- Combine: Mix the tea and syrup together in the pitcher. Add remaining cold water. Chill.
- Serve: Pour over ice and garnish with strawberries or lemon slices if desired.
Notes
- Adjust sweetness by varying sugar amount.
- For more intense strawberry flavor, blend the syrup before straining.
- Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
