Description
A refreshing Southern-style sweet tea made with black tea, fresh strawberry syrup, and a splash of lemon juice for a fruity and comforting summer drink.
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 4 black tea bags
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2 cups cold water
- Ice cubes, as needed
- Extra strawberries and lemon slices for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Bring 4 cups of water to a gentle boil in a saucepan.
- Remove from heat, add the tea bags, and let steep for 5 to 7 minutes depending on desired strength.
- While the tea steeps, combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, and about 2 tablespoons of water in a separate saucepan over medium heat.
- Cook the strawberry mixture for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries break down and the mixture becomes syrupy.
- Strain the strawberry mixture to remove the pulp and keep the smooth syrup.
- Remove the tea bags from the brewed tea and stir in the strawberry syrup and lemon juice.
- Add the 2 cups of cold water and stir well to combine.
- Refrigerate the tea for at least 1 hour until chilled.
- Serve over ice and garnish with extra strawberries or lemon slices if desired.
Notes
- Use honey instead of sugar for a softer sweetness.
- Add a few mashed strawberries directly into the tea for a stronger fruit flavor.
- Mix in fresh mint leaves for a refreshing twist.
- Green tea can be used instead of black tea for a lighter taste.
- Store in a sealed pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
- Stir before serving, as the syrup may settle.
- Frozen strawberries can be used if thawed first.
- For less sweetness, reduce the sugar to 1/2 cup or adjust to taste.
- Straining the strawberry mixture gives a smoother drink, but the pulp can be left in for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
