Southern Strawberry Sweet Tea combines the classic charm of Southern sweet tea with the fresh, tangy sweetness of strawberries. This refreshing beverage is perfect for hot summer days, offering a delightful twist on traditional sweet tea. With its vibrant color and delicious flavor, it's sure to be a hit at any gathering.
1poundFresh Strawberrieshulled and halved, plus more for garnish
1cupSugaradjust to taste
1cupWaterfor syrup
Ice Cubesfor serving
Instructions
Brew the Tea: In a large saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Remove from heat, add tea bags, and let steep for 5 minutes. Remove tea bags and allow tea to cool to room temperature.
Make Strawberry Syrup: In another saucepan, combine strawberries, sugar, and 1 cup of water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Simmer for 20 minutes, then strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer, discarding solids.
Combine: In a large pitcher, mix the cooled tea with the strawberry syrup. Adjust sweetness to taste.
Chill: Refrigerate the tea for at least 1 hour or until thoroughly chilled.
Serve: Fill glasses with ice, pour the chilled tea over the ice, and garnish with fresh strawberry slices.
Notes
Sweetness Adjustment: Start with less sugar in the syrup if you prefer a less sweet tea. You can always add more to taste.
Using Frozen Strawberries: Frozen strawberries can be used in place of fresh for the syrup if out of season.
Storage: Store the tea in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days. For best flavor, add fresh strawberries as garnish just before serving.
Large Batches: For larger gatherings, this recipe can easily be doubled or tripled. Ensure your pitcher and refrigerator have enough space to accommodate the increased volume.