Why Make This Recipe

Southern Strawberry Sweet Tea is a delightful twist on the classic sweet tea, bringing in the fresh, vibrant flavor of strawberries. This drink is perfect for warm days, gatherings, or just a refreshing treat at home. It combines the sweetness of strawberries with the comforting warmth of tea, making it a favorite in many households.

How to Make Southern Strawberry Sweet Tea

Ingredients:

• 3 cups strawberries, washed and stems removed then sliced
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup sugar (for syrup)
• 3 cups boiling water
• 3 family-sized Lipton original tea bags
• 1 cup sugar (for tea)
• 8 cups cold water
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1 lemon, cut into slices or wedges for garnish
• 6 to 8 strawberries (washed with stems on, cut on the bottom for garnish)
• Ice

Directions:

1. In a saucepan, combine 3 cups of sliced strawberries, 2 cups of water, and 1 cup of sugar. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes until the strawberries are soft. Remove from heat and strain the syrup to remove solids. Let cool.
2. In a large pitcher, combine 3 cups of boiling water and the 3 family-sized tea bags. Steep for 5 minutes. Remove tea bags.
3. Stir in 1 cup of sugar until dissolved. Add 8 cups of cold water and the juice of 1 lemon. Mix well.
4. Incorporate the cooled strawberry syrup into the tea mixture and stir to combine.
5. Serve over ice, garnished with lemon slices and whole strawberries.

How to Serve Southern Strawberry Sweet Tea

Serve the Southern Strawberry Sweet Tea over a glass full of ice. Add a few slices of lemon and whole strawberries for a pretty presentation. This drink is perfect for parties, picnics, or just enjoying at home on a hot day.

How to Store Southern Strawberry Sweet Tea

If you have any leftover sweet tea, store it in a sealed pitcher in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days. Just remember to give it a good stir before serving again, as ingredients may settle.

Tips to Make Southern Strawberry Sweet Tea

• Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor. Frozen strawberries can work too, but they may alter the taste slightly.
• Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar to the syrup or tea according to your preference.
• For a stronger tea flavor, steep the tea bags longer, but be careful not to make it too bitter.

Variation

You can add other fruits for different flavors! Try peaches or raspberries alongside the strawberries for a fruity mix. You can also experiment with different types of tea, like herbal or flavored teas.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of tea for this recipe?
Yes, you can use different types of tea if you prefer something other than Lipton original. Herbal teas or green tea can also work well.

2. How can I make this drink less sweet?
To make it less sweet, reduce the amount of sugar in the syrup and the tea. You can also use a sugar substitute if you prefer.

3. Is this drink best served cold?
Yes! Southern Strawberry Sweet Tea is best served cold over ice. It’s refreshing and perfect for warm weather.