Sweet Tea Two Ways

Introduction

Sweet tea is a beloved drink in many homes, and making it yourself can be so rewarding! With this recipe, you’ll learn how to make two tasty versions: strawberry and peach. Both are refreshing and easy to whip up, perfect for warm days or family gatherings.

Why Make This Recipe

You should definitely try this sweet tea recipe because it reminds you of lazy summer afternoons spent with friends and family. Not only is it easy, but it also lets you enjoy delicious flavors that can brighten up any day. Plus, making your own sweet tea means you get to choose how sweet you want it!

How to Make Sweet Tea Two Ways

Ingredients

For Strawberry Sweet Tea:

3 cups strawberries, washed and stems removed, then sliced
2 cups water
1 cup sugar
3 cups boiling water
3 family-sized Lipton original tea bags
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

For 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:

First, make the strawberry simple syrup. In a saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries, 2 cups of water, and 1 cup of sugar over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Then, strain the mixture and let it cool.
Next, make the sweet tea. Boil 3 cups of water and steep the tea bags for 5 minutes. Remove the tea bags and stir in 1 cup of sugar until it is completely dissolved.
In a large pitcher, mix the brewed tea with 8 cups of cold water and add the lemon juice.
Serve this refreshing drink over ice, garnished with lemon slices and strawberry garnishes.

For Peach Sweet Tea:

In a saucepan, combine 4 cups of water and the tea bag. Bring it to a simmer and let it steep for 5 minutes. Once done, remove the tea bag and stir in 3/4 cup of sugar and 3/4 cup of honey until everything is dissolved.
Pour this tea into a pitcher with 1 cup of cold water and the pureed peaches, then mix well.
Serve over ice and enjoy with frozen peach slices as a lovely garnish.

How to Serve Sweet Tea Two Ways

Sweet tea is best served chilled over ice. You can pour it into glasses and add a garnish of fresh fruit on top for a lovely presentation. Enjoy it with friends and family for that true summer vibe!

How to Store Sweet Tea Two Ways

If you have any leftover sweet tea, store it in a sealed container in the fridge. 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

Make sure to adjust the sweetness to your taste by adding more or less sugar.
You can use fresh peaches or strawberries if you prefer. Frozen fruit works well but fresh is always a treat!
To enhance the flavor, try adding a sprig of mint when serving.

Variation

You can also try making lemon sweet tea by substituting the fruit with lemon juice and slices. It adds a nice tartness to the drink!

FAQs

1. Can I use regular tea instead of Lipton tea bags?
Yes! Any black tea will work well for this recipe.

2. How do I make this tea unsweetened?
Just skip the sugar and honey, and you’ll have a delicious unsweetened tea.

3. Can I add other fruits to the sweet tea?
Absolutely! You can try other fruits like raspberries or mangoes for different flavors.