Southern Strawberry Sweet Tea – The Perfect Summer Drink
Why People Love This Southern Strawberry Sweet Tea
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There’s nothing quite as refreshing as a glass of Southern strawberry sweet tea on a hot summer day. Combining the classic comfort of Southern sweet tea with the fruity brightness of fresh strawberries, this drink brings the perfect balance of sweetness and tang, making it a family favorite for barbecues, picnics, and lazy afternoons on the porch.
If you love refreshing summer drinks, try this Homemade Lemonade to add another fruity classic to your recipe collection.
This Southern strawberry sweet tea is easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and customizable. You control the sugar and fruit levels, ensuring each sip is as refreshing as it is satisfying. With simple ingredients like fresh strawberries, lemons, and tea, it’s a hydrating drink that everyone can enjoy during the warm months.
For a sweet treat to pair with your tea, consider these Fluffy Bakery-Style Vanilla Cupcakes to complete your summer gathering.
Ingredients
Strawberry Simple Syrup:
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3 cups strawberries, washed, stems removed, sliced
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2 cups water
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1 cup sugar
Sweet Tea:
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3 cups boiling water
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3 family-sized Lipton tea bags (or preferred black tea)
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1 cup sugar
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8 cups cold water
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1 lemon, juiced
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1 lemon, sliced or wedged for garnish
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6–8 strawberries, washed with stems on for garnish
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Ice, for serving
For another summer-How To Make Homemade Tomato Sauce to serve alongside your sweet tea at picnics and gatherings.
Instructions
Make the Strawberry Syrup:
In a medium saucepan, combine sliced strawberries, 2 cups water, and 1 cup sugar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Allow the mixture to cook until strawberries are soft and sugar has fully dissolved, about 10–12 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
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Using a fine mesh sieve, strain the syrup into a bowl or large measuring cup, pressing gently on the strawberries to extract as much juice as possible. Discard solids, and refrigerate syrup until ready to use.
Brew the Sweet Tea:
In a heatproof bowl or large measuring cup, pour 3 cups boiling water over the tea bags. Let steep for 10–15 minutes for a strong brew. Remove tea bags and stir in 1 cup sugar until dissolved.
Assemble the Sweet Tea:
In a large pitcher, combine the brewed sweet tea base with 8 cups cold water, fresh lemon juice, and the chilled strawberry syrup. Stir thoroughly to combine and taste to adjust sweetness if needed.
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Serve:
Fill glasses generously with ice. Pour the strawberry sweet tea over the ice, and garnish each glass with a lemon wedge and a fresh strawberry on the rim for a beautiful presentation.
Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Summer
This Southern strawberry sweet tea is the ultimate warm-weather beverage, offering hydration with a burst of fruity sweetness. It’s a healthier alternative to store-bought drinks, allowing you to control sugar content while enjoying fresh, natural flavors.
Pair this refreshing tea with Sticky Honey Garlic Ribs for a satisfying summer dinner.
Tips & Variations
Adjust Sweetness: Taste before serving and add more sugar if you prefer a sweeter tea, or reduce sugar for a lighter version.
Herbal Additions: Add fresh mint leaves for a cooling herbal note.
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Fruit Variations: Substitute or add raspberries, peaches, or blueberries to the syrup for a mixed fruit tea.
Sparkling Version: Use half cold water and half sparkling water for a fizzy twist.
Batch-Friendly: This recipe scales well for parties and gatherings, making it a perfect pitcher drink.
For more drink inspiration, explore Delish’s summer drinks collection to keep your gatherings exciting.
Health Benefits
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Strawberries are high in antioxidants and vitamin C, supporting immune health and skin hydration.
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Tea provides a gentle caffeine boost and antioxidants, making it a healthier alternative to soda.
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Lemon adds vitamin C and brightens the drink with a natural tang.
Serving Suggestions
This Southern strawberry sweet tea pairs perfectly with summer meals, including:
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Grilled chicken, ribs, or barbecue.
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Fresh summer salads like our Cucumber Salad.
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Sweet treats such as Homemade Fruit Cake.
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As a refreshing option during outdoor gatherings or picnics.
Storage
Store leftover strawberry sweet tea in the refrigerator in a sealed pitcher for up to 3 days. Stir before serving as natural settling may occur. Avoid leaving fruit garnishes in the tea for long storage to maintain freshness.
Time & Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes + chilling
Yield: Makes about 1.5 gallons, serves 10–12
Tools Used
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Medium saucepan
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Fine mesh sieve
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Large pitcher
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Sharp knife and cutting board
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Spoon for stirring
FAQs About Southern Strawberry Sweet Tea
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, thawed frozen strawberries work well for the syrup.
Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
Absolutely, adjust sugar levels based on your preference.
Can I use green tea instead of black tea?
Yes, green tea will give a lighter, milder flavor to the drink.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes, prepare the syrup and tea base a day ahead and assemble before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Southern strawberry sweet tea brings vibrant color, sweet strawberry flavor, and the comforting taste of Southern sweet tea together in one refreshing glass. It’s perfect for hot summer days, gatherings, and family meals, ensuring everyone stays hydrated while enjoying a naturally sweet treat.
Enjoy this recipe as part of your weekly rotation and watch it become a family favorite. For more ideas on meals to pair with your sweet tea, try this Shrimp Crab Lasagna
Recipe Title: Southern Strawberry Sweet Tea
Equipment
Method
- 1️⃣ In a medium saucepan, combine strawberries, water, and sugar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until strawberries are soft and sugar dissolves (about 10–12 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool. Strain syrup through a fine mesh sieve, pressing gently to extract juice. Discard solids and refrigerate syrup.
- 2️⃣ In a heatproof bowl or large measuring cup, pour boiling water over tea bags. Steep for 10–15 minutes, then remove tea bags and stir in sugar until dissolved.
- 3️⃣ In a large pitcher, combine the brewed tea with cold water, lemon juice, and chilled strawberry syrup. Stir well to combine.
- 4️⃣ Serve over ice in glasses, garnished with lemon wedges and fresh strawberries.
Notes
Adjust sugar to your taste preference for a lighter or sweeter tea. Add fresh mint for additional freshness. Can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for 2–3 days.