Strawberry Sweet Tea
Enjoy a tall glass of this cold Strawberry Sweet Tea all summer long by the pool with friends and family. It’s a really easy drink to make, and so refreshing and delicious!
Servings: 10
Ingredients
For the Strawberry Simple Syrup
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 cups strawberries , washed and stems removed, then sliced (should measure 3 cups after they are sliced)
For the Sweet Tea
- 10 cups cold filtered water , divided
- 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
- 3 family-sized tea bags (or 9 regular)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- juice of 2 fresh lemons , optional
For Serving
- Ice
- Sliced fresh strawberries
- Sliced lemons
Instructions
Make the Simple Syrup
- In a medium saucepan add the water, sugar, and the sliced strawberries. Cook over a medium-high heat until the mixture boils. Reduce the heat to a very gentle simmer and let bubble for about 30 minutes, or until the strawberries are soft and the liquid is a deep red color. (Stir every once in a while and watch it carefully to prevent scorching.)
- Using a mesh strainer, strain the strawberry syrup into a large heat-proof pitcher/jug. Gently press down on the strawberries to extract the juice (but not too hard - you don't want strawberry chunks in your sweet tea.) Set aside.
Make the Sweet Tea
- Bring 2 cups of the water to a boil in a non-reactive teapot or saucepan; remove from the heat.
- Add in the baking soda.
- Drop in the tea bags; let steep for 5-7 minutes (depending how strong you want the flavor.)
- Carefully remove tea bags and discard (do not squeeze or press on them.)
- Add the granulated sugar and stir until completely dissolved.
- Pour into the pitcher/jug along with the strawberry syrup.
- Add in the remaining 8 cups of cold water and lemon juice. Stir well.
- Refrigerate until it's ice cold (a few hours.)
To Serve
- Add a few thin slices of lemon and strawberry slices to the pitcher.
- Fill a glass with ice and pour in the tea. Garnish with additional strawberry and lemon slices, if desired, and enjoy!
Notes
For recipe tips and variations, please refer to the full article.
Nutrition
Calories: 169kcal · Carbohydrates: 43g · Protein: 1g · Fat: 1g · Saturated Fat: 1g · Sodium: 29mg · Potassium: 67mg · Fiber: 1g · Sugar: 42g · Vitamin A: 5IU · Vitamin C: 25mg · Calcium: 16mg · Iron: 1mg