Southern Strawberry Sweet Tea
Introduction
Southern Strawberry Sweet Tea is a delightful drink that’s perfect for warm weather. It’s sweet, tasty, and full of fresh strawberry flavor. This recipe is easy to make, and it tastes like sunshine in a glass!
Why Make This Recipe
You should make this Southern Strawberry Sweet Tea because it’s refreshing and enjoyable. Whether you’re having a picnic, hosting a barbecue, or just relaxing at home, this drink is sure to please everyone. Plus, it’s a great way to use fresh strawberries!
How to Make Southern Strawberry Sweet Tea
Ingredients
- 3 cups strawberries
- 1 cup sugar (for syrup)
- 2 cups water (for syrup)
- 3 family-sized Lipton original tea bags
- 1 cup sugar (for sweet tea)
- 3 cups boiling water
- 8 cups cold water
- 1 lemon
- 6 to 8 strawberries (for garnish)
- ice
Directions
- First, make the strawberry simple syrup by combining 3 cups of strawberries, 1 cup of sugar, and 2 cups of water in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved and the strawberries are softened.
- Strain the mixture to remove the solids and set aside the syrup.
- In another pot, bring 3 cups of water to a boil and steep the tea bags for about 5 minutes.
- Remove the tea bags and stir in 1 cup of sugar until dissolved.
- In a large pitcher, combine the brewed sweet tea with the cold water and the strawberry simple syrup.
- Squeeze the juice of one lemon into the mixture and stir well.
- Serve over ice, garnished with fresh strawberries and lemon slices.
How to Serve Southern Strawberry Sweet Tea
Serve this delicious tea in tall glasses filled with ice. Add a few fresh strawberries and a slice of lemon on the rim for a pretty touch. It’s perfect for any gathering!
How to Store Southern Strawberry Sweet Tea
If you have any leftover tea, store it in the fridge in a sealed container. It tastes great for a few days, but for the best flavor, drink it within three days.
Tips to Make Southern Strawberry Sweet Tea
- Make the simple syrup ahead of time to save time on hot days.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar to your taste.
- Fresh strawberries are best, but you can use frozen strawberries if needed.
Variation
To make a peach version, replace half of the strawberries with fresh peaches. It adds a lovely twist!
FAQs
1. Can I use green tea instead of black tea?
Yes, you can use green tea to give a lighter flavor to the drink.
2. Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Absolutely! It’s a great non-alcoholic refreshment for children and adults alike.
3. Can I make this tea ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge, and it will be ready to enjoy when you want it!
Southern Strawberry Sweet Tea
Ingredients
For the Strawberry Simple Syrup
- 3 cups strawberries Fresh strawberries for the syrup
- 1 cup sugar Sugar for syrup
- 2 cups water Water for syrup
For the Sweet Tea
- 3 family-sized tea bags Lipton original tea bags For brewing the sweet tea
- 1 cup sugar Sugar for sweet tea
- 3 cups boiling water Water for brewing tea
- 8 cups cold water To dilute the sweet tea
- 1 whole lemon Juiced into the mixture
- 6 to 8 pieces strawberries For garnish
- to taste ice For serving
Instructions
Preparation of Strawberry Simple Syrup
- Combine 3 cups of strawberries, 1 cup of sugar, and 2 cups of water in a saucepan.
- Heat over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved and the strawberries are softened.
- Strain the mixture to remove the solids and set aside the syrup.
Brewing Sweet Tea
- In another pot, bring 3 cups of water to a boil.
- Steep the tea bags for about 5 minutes.
- Remove the tea bags and stir in 1 cup of sugar until dissolved.
Mixing the Drink
- In a large pitcher, combine the brewed sweet tea with the cold water and the strawberry simple syrup.
- Squeeze the juice of one lemon into the mixture and stir well.
- Serve over ice, garnished with fresh strawberries and lemon slices.
