Description
Enjoy a refreshing homemade Strawberry Iced Tea, perfect for warm days or gatherings. This delightful drink blends rich black tea with fresh strawberries and a hint of lemon, creating a sweet and tangy beverage thats sure to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups of water
- 4 black tea bags (or your favorite tea)
- 1 cup of fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/2 cup of sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- Ice cubes
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Boil 4 cups of water in a medium-sized pot until it reaches a rolling boil.
- Remove from heat and add the 4 black tea bags. Steep for 5-7 minutes, adjusting steeping time for desired strength.
- Remove tea bags and stir in 1/2 cup of sugar while the tea is warm to ensure it dissolves completely.
- Allow the sweetened tea to cool to room temperature, or speed up the process by placing the pot in an ice bath or refrigerating it.
- Rinse strawberries under cold water, hull them, and slice into thin pieces.
- Mash half of the sliced strawberries in a small bowl to release their juices.
- Once the tea has cooled, add the mashed strawberries to the pitcher.
- Add the remaining sliced strawberries for visual appeal and flavor.
- Pour in 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice to balance the sweetness.
- Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
- Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to chill and meld flavors.
- Fill a glass with ice cubes.
- Pour the chilled strawberry iced tea over the ice, filling the glass about three-quarters full.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves and a slice of lemon, if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For a stronger tea flavor, use more tea bags or steep longer.
- Experiment with different types of tea for unique flavors.
- Prepare tea and strawberries separately for freshness if making ahead.
- For a sparkling version, replace half of the water with sparkling water or club soda.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes