Strawberry Sweet Tea

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Nothing says “Southern refreshment” like a tall, ice-cold glass of strawberry sweet tea. It’s the perfect blend of bold black tea, sun-ripened strawberries, and just the right amount of sweetness. Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout, lounging on the porch, or cooling off after a sunny afternoon, this vibrant pink drink feels like summer in every sip.

The real magic happens when fresh strawberry syrup infuses the brewed tea. It transforms an ordinary beverage into something beautiful and crave-worthy. With its balance of fruitiness and subtle tang, this drink is easy to fall in love with. Plus, it’s so simple to make, you might just skip the store-bought version forever.

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What Kind of Tea Should I Use?

Traditional black tea bags work best for sweet tea—think Lipton or Luzianne. They’re strong enough to stand up to the sweet strawberry syrup without losing flavor. If you prefer a more floral or delicate taste, you could try a black-orange pekoe blend or even a fruit-infused black tea.

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Ingredients for the Strawberry Sweet Tea

Black Tea Bags: These provide the bold, tannic base that sweet tea is known for.

Fresh Strawberries: Essential for making the syrup. They bring vibrant color and natural sweetness.

Sugar: Used to make a simple syrup that perfectly balances the tartness of the strawberries and the bitterness of the tea.

Water: You’ll need hot water for brewing and extra for the syrup.

Lemon Juice (optional): A touch of acidity can brighten the flavor and enhance the strawberries.

Ice & Sliced Strawberries (for serving): Chilling and garnishing the tea turns it into a pitcher-perfect refreshment.

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How To Make the Strawberry Sweet Tea

Step 1: Brew the Tea

Bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add 4 black tea bags, remove from heat, and let them steep for 10–15 minutes. The longer they steep, the bolder the flavor. Remove tea bags and set the tea aside to cool.

Step 2: Make the Strawberry Syrup

In a saucepan, combine 1 pound of hulled and sliced fresh strawberries with 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10–12 minutes, mashing the strawberries as they soften.

Step 3: Strain the Syrup

Use a fine mesh sieve to strain the syrup into a bowl or pitcher, pressing gently to extract all the flavor. Discard the pulp or save it for smoothies.

Step 4: Combine and Chill

In a large pitcher, mix the cooled tea with the strawberry syrup. Add a splash of lemon juice if using, and stir well. Refrigerate until thoroughly chilled.

Step 5: Serve Over Ice

Fill glasses with ice and pour in the strawberry tea. Garnish with fresh strawberry slices or lemon wedges for a refreshing and colorful finish.

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Serving and Storing Strawberry Sweet Tea

Strawberry sweet tea is best served icy cold, ideally within a few hours of preparation. For a party, make a large batch and keep it in a glass pitcher with slices of lemon and extra strawberries for a visual wow factor.

Store leftover tea in the fridge in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Shake or stir before serving, as natural settling can occur. You can also freeze leftover strawberry syrup in ice cube trays for quick use in future drinks or cocktails.

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What to Serve With Strawberry Sweet Tea?

Crispy Fried Chicken

The sweetness of the tea balances perfectly with the salty crunch of fried chicken.

Classic Southern Biscuits

Fluffy and buttery, biscuits with honey or jam pair naturally with sweet tea.

Pimento Cheese Sandwiches

Creamy and sharp, this Southern staple is a fun finger food that complements fruity tea.

BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders

Sweet, smoky, and satisfying—a great combo with cold tea.

Deviled Eggs

A light and tangy bite that refreshes the palate.

Watermelon Slices

Simple, hydrating, and sweet—just like summer.

Lemon Bars

For a sweet treat that echoes the citrus notes of the optional lemon juice in the tea.

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Want More Refreshing Drink Ideas?

If you love fruity, summery drinks like this strawberry sweet tea, here are some more recipes to try next:

• Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade with a fizzy twist and sweet-tart punch.
• Southern Peach Sweet Tea for a golden, peachy variation of this classic.
• Cranberry Pineapple Punch that brings holiday vibes to any time of year.
• Homemade Lemonade that’s refreshingly simple and super customizable.

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Save This Pin For Later

Save this fruity favorite to your Pinterest so it’s easy to sip all summer long.

Tried it with a twist? Maybe some mint leaves, or even a splash of sparkling water? Let me know how you made it your own!

Need more refreshing sips? Browse my daily drink creations on SavorQueen Recipes on Pinterest and find your next go-to favorite.

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