Sweet Tea Two Ways

Introduction

Sweet Tea Two Ways is the perfect drink for any occasion. It’s refreshing, flavorful, and easy to prepare. Whether you want a lively strawberry twist or a peachy delight, this recipe has got you covered. Your family and friends will love sipping on these delightful beverages!

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is great because it brings together two classic flavors in one simple preparation. It’s perfect for hot summer days, gatherings, or even cozy afternoons at home. Plus, making sweet tea is easy and fun! You can impress your guests with these delicious drinks and enjoy a taste of summer any time you want.

How to Make Sweet Tea Two Ways

Ingredients:

Strawberry Simple Syrup:

3 cups strawberries, washed and stems removed, then sliced
2 cups water
1 cup sugar

Sweet Tea:

3 cups boiling water
3 family-sized Lipton original tea bags
1 cup sugar
8 cups cold water
1 lemon, juiced
1 lemon, cut into slices or wedges for garnish
6 to 8 strawberries, washed but leave stems on, with a cut on the bottom for garnish
Ice

Peach Sweet Tea:

5 cups water, divided into 4 cups and 1 cup
1 family-size tea bag (or 3 regular-size bags)
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup honey
2 cups frozen peaches, thawed and pureed (or 2 cups fresh peaches peeled and sliced)
2 cups frozen peaches, for serving

Directions

For Strawberry Sweet Tea:
Start by making the strawberry simple syrup. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the sliced strawberries, 2 cups of water, and the sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the strawberries release their juicy goodness. Strain the mixture and let it cool.

Next, brew the sweet tea. Boil 3 cups of water and steep the tea bags for about 10 minutes. Then, take out the tea bags and stir in 1 cup of sugar until it dissolves. Mix the sweet tea with the cold water and add the lemon juice. Chill it in the fridge.

When ready to serve, pour the sweet tea over ice and garnish with lemon slices and those cute, stemmed strawberries.

For Peach Sweet Tea:
Start by boiling 4 cups of water. Steep the tea bag in the boiling water for 10 minutes. Remove the tea bag and stir in the sugar and honey until completely dissolved. Now, blend the thawed peaches into a puree and mix it into the tea. Chill this drink as well. Serve over ice and top with frozen peach slices for a refreshing touch.

How to Serve Sweet Tea Two Ways

Serve your sweet tea in tall glasses filled with ice. Add garnishes like lemon slices and fresh fruit to make it look extra special. Your guests will love the beautiful colors and refreshing flavors!

How to Store Sweet Tea Two Ways

If you have any leftover sweet tea, keep it in the fridge in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days. Just give it a good stir before serving again!

Tips to Make Sweet Tea Two Ways

Use fresh, ripe berries and peaches for the best flavor.
Adjust the sugar according to your taste. If you like it sweeter, feel free to add a bit more.
Make the simple syrup in advance so you can whip up the sweet tea quickly when you have guests over!

Variation

Try adding mint leaves to your sweet tea for a refreshing twist or even experiment with other fruits like blueberries or raspberries!

FAQs

1. Can I use unsweetened tea bags?
Yes, you can use unsweetened tea bags. Just adjust the sugar to your taste preference.

2. Is it okay to use frozen fruit?
Absolutely! Frozen fruit works great, especially in the peach sweet tea, as it helps keep the drink cold.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make both sweet teas ahead of time. They stay tasty in the fridge for several days, making them perfect for parties or gatherings!