If you’re craving a glass of sunshine that brings together all the charm of a Southern afternoon, you’ll fall head over heels for this Southern Strawberry Sweet Iced Tea Recipe. Imagine classic sweet tea, infused with homemade strawberry syrup, served ice-cold on a porch, and finished with a flourish of fresh fruit and mint. Each sip hints at summer’s sweetest berries, balancing bold black tea and just the right amount of sugar, promising a refreshing drink that everyone will be raving about all season long!
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
For the Tea:
- 8 cups water
- 6 black tea bags
- 1 teaspoon baking soda (optional)
For the Strawberry Syrup:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries (hulled and sliced)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
For Garnish:
- Ice cubes
- Fresh strawberry slices
- Mint leaves
How to Make Southern Strawberry Sweet Iced Tea Recipe
Step 1: Steep the Black Tea
Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Once it’s bubbling, remove from the heat, add your black tea bags, and let them steep undisturbed for 8 to 10 minutes. This allows the tea to become deeply flavorful and perfectly anchored for the sweet and fruity twists we’ll add soon.
Step 2: Make the Strawberry Syrup
While your tea is steeping, combine the sliced strawberries and 1 cup of water in another saucepan. Set over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries break down and the water turns lush and pink, bursting with berry essence.
Step 3: Strain and Press the Berries
Strain the strawberry mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl or a measuring cup, pressing hard with a spoon to squeeze out every last drop of syrup. Discard the leftover pulp, and admire that vibrant juice—this is what gives the Southern Strawberry Sweet Iced Tea Recipe its signature color and fruity punch!
Step 4: Sweeten and Combine
Remove the tea bags from your steeped tea, then immediately stir in the granulated sugar until it’s fully dissolved and the tea is clear again. Now, pour in your freshly made strawberry syrup and add the baking soda if you’re using it. Give everything a good stir to blend all those gorgeous flavors.
Step 5: Finish, Chill, and Serve
Transfer the sweet strawberry tea mixture to a large pitcher. Pour in the remaining 5 cups of cold water, stirring well to balance the flavors. Chill for at least an hour so the drink is icy-cold and the flavors meld. When ready to serve, fill tall glasses with ice and pour your homemade Southern Strawberry Sweet Iced Tea Recipe over the top. Don’t forget the fresh strawberry slices and mint leaves to make it extra special!
How to Serve Southern Strawberry Sweet Iced Tea Recipe
Garnishes
The right garnish turns this tea from a drink into an occasion. Float a few fresh strawberry slices and a couple of bright green mint leaves in each glass or across the top of the pitcher. This adds an inviting pop of color and a refreshing aroma with every sip—plus, it makes your photos Instagram-ready!
Side Dishes
The beauty of this sweet iced tea is that it pairs beautifully with almost any summery Southern fare. Serve alongside crispy fried chicken, fluffy buttermilk biscuits, or a juicy slice of peach cobbler for the ultimate backyard gathering. Even a platter of salty snacks like roasted pecans or cheese straws will let the tea’s sweetness shine.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation is part of the fun! Try pouring your Southern Strawberry Sweet Iced Tea Recipe into mason jars for a homespun touch, or use a vintage glass pitcher and tall, elegant glasses for a garden party vibe. For festive flair, line the rims with sugar or skewer extra strawberries and mint on toothpicks as edible stirrers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers—although it’s highly unlikely!—store the tea in a covered pitcher in the refrigerator. It will stay bright, fruity, and delicious for up to 3 days. Be sure to give it a gentle stir before serving, as the natural strawberry syrup may settle a little over time.
Freezing
Want to enjoy strawberry sweet tea all summer long? Pour any extra tea (minus the garnishes) into ice cube trays and freeze. Pop a few flavored cubes into your next glass or blend them for a quick strawberry tea slushie on especially hot days. For best flavor, use within one month.
Reheating
This is one iced tea that’s bliss served cold, not hot! If you prefer to lighten a batch that’s been in the fridge and tastes extra concentrated, just add a splash of fresh cold water and some new ice cubes. The Southern Strawberry Sweet Iced Tea Recipe is all about refreshing chill, so skip the microwave.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work well, especially if fresh berries aren’t in season. Just thaw them first and follow the recipe steps as written—the flavor will still be bright and fruity.
Why add baking soda to sweet tea?
Baking soda helps smooth out any bitterness from the tea, making your Southern Strawberry Sweet Iced Tea Recipe taste even silkier and more refreshing. You won’t taste the soda itself, but you’ll notice a more mellow, rounded flavor overall.
How can I make this recipe less sweet?
You’re in control of the sugar here! Start with less than the 3/4 cup in the recipe, and add more to taste after blending the strawberry syrup and tea. You can also experiment with honey or a sugar substitute for a lighter version.
Can I use green tea or another type Beverage
Definitely! While black tea is the hallmark of a classic Southern Strawberry Sweet Iced Tea Recipe, feel free to swap in green, white, or herbal teas for unique flavors. Just keep in mind that each tea brings its own character to the glass.
Can I double the recipe for a party?
Yes, and I highly recommend it if you’re hosting a crowd! Simply double all the ingredients and use a very large pitcher or a drink dispenser—the brewing and chilling steps stay exactly the same. Your guests will be so glad you did.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re planning a picnic, a porch sit, or just looking to brighten your afternoon, this Southern Strawberry Sweet Iced Tea Recipe brings a little Southern hospitality and a lot of flavor to your table. Give it a try and watch as every sip puts a smile on your face—and your friends beg for a refill!
Print
Southern Strawberry Sweet Iced Tea Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Enjoy a refreshing twist on classic sweet tea with this Southern Strawberry Sweet Iced Tea recipe. Fresh strawberries add a fruity sweetness to this cool and flavorful drink, perfect for hot summer days.
Ingredients
For the Tea:
- 8 cups water
- 6 black tea bags
- 1 teaspoon baking soda (optional)
For the Strawberry Syrup:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries (hulled and sliced)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
For Garnish:
- Ice cubes
- Fresh strawberry slices
- Mint leaves
Instructions
- Brew the Tea: In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Steep the tea bags for 8–10 minutes.
- Make the Strawberry Syrup: Simmer sliced strawberries in water until soft. Strain mixture through a sieve.
- Combine: Remove tea bags, add sugar, strawberry syrup, and baking soda. Chill mixture.
- Serve: Pour over ice, garnish with strawberries and mint.
Notes
- Adjust sweetness to taste
- Enhance strawberry flavor by mashing more berries
- Experiment with green or herbal tea variations
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
