Refreshing Strawberry Iced Tea Recipe

Revitalize your day with a vibrant iced tea blending robust black tea, sweet strawberries, and a tang of zesty lemon. This refreshing beverage bursts with fruity flavor and is perfect for hot afternoons and lively get-togethers alike. Enjoy a pure, naturally refreshing drink that delights the senses in every sip.

I’m excited to share my Refreshing Strawberry Iced Tea recipe with you today, this is hands down my current favourite drink! Its light and revitalizing nature makes it perfect for a hot summer day.

The combination of 6 cups water, 6 black tea bags and 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced, gives this drink a unique twist compared to the usual iced tea recipes. I also add 1/4 cup sugar and 3 tablespoons lemon juice for that perfect balance between sweetness and tanginess.

Not only its refreshing, but it also brings some nutritional value like vitamin C from the strawberries and lemon juice, that adds up to a healthier alternative to soda. I enjoy serving this drink with plenty of ice cubes and garnishing with extra strawberry slices and lemon wedges.

This recipe is a fun twist on tea drink recipes and is a cool option when looking for a homemade drink that provides refreshment and energy.

Why I Like this Recipe

1. I love how refreshing this drink is, especially on a hot day – it just hits the spot and gives me that cool, crisp feeling that I can’t get enough of.
2. I really dig the mix of fruity strawberry and tangy lemon, they just blend so well together in a way that feels natural and perfectly balanced.
3. I like that the recipe is super easy to follow; even when I mess up the timing or the measurements a little bit, it still turns out delish every time.
4. I appreciate that I can adjust the sweetness to my taste – whether I want it more sugary or just a hint of sweet, I know I can make it just the way I like it.

Ingredients

• Plain water hydrates and it serves as a neutral base that blends all flavors seamlessly.
• Black tea bags deliver antioxidants and caffeine for that gentle energy boost with rich flavor.
• Fresh strawberries contribute natural sweetness, fiber, and a burst of vitamin C goodness.
• Sugar sweetens the tea while giving quick energy, though moderation is always key.
• Lemon juice adds a tangy twist, balancing the sweetness with a refreshing sour note.
• Ice cubes chill the brew rapidly, preserving flavors and making the drink delightfully cold.
• Extra strawberry slices plus lemon wedges boost the look and intensify the taste experience.

Ingredient Quantities

• 6 cups water, divided
• 6 black tea bags
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1/4 cup sugar (or more if you like it sweeter)
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• Ice cubes, to serve
• Extra strawberry slices and lemon wedges for garnish

How to Make this

1. Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a small saucepan, then add the sliced strawberries, sugar and lemon juice. Let it simmer for about 3 minutes while stirring until the sugar has dissolved.

2. Remove the pan from heat and lightly mash the strawberries with a spoon so they release more of their flavor.

3. Meanwhile, in another pot, bring the remaining 4 cups of water to a boil.

4. Once boiling, pour the hot water over the 6 black tea bags placed in a large heatproof pitcher and let it steep for about 5 minutes.

5. After steeping, remove the tea bags from the pitcher.

6. Strain the strawberry mixture through a fine sieve into the pitcher with tea, pressing lightly on the mashed berries to get all the syrup out.

7. Give the mixture a good stir and let it cool to room temperature, then place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least an hour.

8. When you are ready to serve, fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the iced tea over the ice, garnishing with extra strawberry slices and lemon wedges if you like. Enjoy your refreshing drink!

Equipment Needed

1. Small saucepan – for boiling 2 cups of water with the strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice
2. Spoon – for stirring the mixture and mashing the strawberries a bit
3. Pot – for boiling another 4 cups of water for the tea
4. Large heatproof pitcher – for steeping the tea bags and mixing in the strawberry syrup
5. Fine sieve – for straining out the strawberry bits from the syrup
6. Knife and cutting board – for slicing the strawberries
7. Glasses – for serving the iced tea over ice cubes
8. Refrigerator – for chilling the tea after it cools to room temperature

FAQ

Refreshing Strawberry Iced Tea Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you don’t have black tea bags, you can use green tea bags or even herbal tea for a different taste twist.
• If fresh strawberries ain’t available, try using frozen strawberries, just be sure to thaw them first.
• If you’re trying to cut back on sugar, you can substitute it with honey or maple syrup – just adjust the amount to your liking.
• If you want to switch up the tang, you can replace lemon juice with lime juice, it adds a neat citrus kick too.

Pro Tips

1. Try not to overcook the strawberries when you simmer them – a quick cook helps keep their fresh flavor intact and prevents them from becoming too mushy.
2. Make sure the water you pour over the tea bags is really hot so it can steep properly, because if it’s not hot enough, the tea might turn out watery and bland.
3. Before serving, let the tea chill completely in the fridge – if you pour hot tea over ice, it might water down the flavors.
4. When straining the strawberry mixture, press lightly but don’t overdo it, or else you might squeeze out too much bitter taste along with the sweet syrup.