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Southern Strawberry Sweet Iced Tea

Southern Strawberry Sweet Iced Tea
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Southern Strawberry Sweet Iced Tea is a refreshing and flavorful beverage that blends the classic sweetness of Southern iced tea with the natural vibrancy of fresh strawberries. Perfectly balanced and easy to make, this iced tea is ideal for warm sunny days, outdoor gatherings, or simple afternoon refreshment. With customizable sweetness and optional lemon juice for brightness, it’s a delightful twist on a Southern favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Tea Base

  • 6 black tea bags
  • 6 cups water (for brewing tea)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)

Strawberry Syrup

  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
  • 1/2 cup water (for syrup)

Additional Ingredients

  • 1–2 tablespoons lemon juice (optional)
  • Ice cubes, as needed for serving

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Brew the Perfect Tea – Start by boiling 6 cups of water and steep the black tea bags for 5 to 7 minutes to extract a strong and full-bodied flavor. Remove the tea bags and stir in 1 cup of granulated sugar while the tea is still hot to ensure it dissolves completely. Allow the sweet tea to cool to room temperature.
  2. Step 2: Create the Strawberry Syrup – While your tea cools, combine 2 cups of fresh strawberries and 1/2 cup water in a saucepan. Simmer gently until the strawberries soften and release their juices. Mash them slightly and strain the mixture through a fine sieve to create a vibrant, naturally sweet syrup. Let the syrup cool.
  3. Step 3: Mix Tea and Syrup – In a large pitcher, combine the cooled sweet tea with the fresh strawberry syrup. Stir well to blend all the fresh flavors thoroughly. Add 1-2 tablespoons of lemon juice if desired to brighten the taste.
  4. Step 4: Chill and Serve – Add plenty of ice cubes to the pitcher or individual glasses. Pour the tea over the ice, garnish with fresh strawberry slices, and serve chilled to enjoy a refreshing Southern strawberry sweet iced tea.

Notes

  • Use fresh ripe strawberries for the best flavor and color intensity.
  • Dissolve sugar while the tea is hot to prevent graininess.
  • Allow both tea and strawberry syrup to cool completely before mixing to maintain clarity and freshness.
  • Adjust sweetness by tasting before chilling and modifying sugar or syrup quantity as preferred.
  • Serve immediately for best taste; refrigerate leftovers in a sealed container for up to 3 days, stirring before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: Southern sweet tea, strawberry iced tea, refreshing summer drink, sweet tea recipe, homemade iced tea, berry syrup, sweetened iced tea

Find it online: https://jamescookes.com/southern-strawberry-sweet-iced-tea/