Southern Strawberry Sweet Tea
Southern Strawberry Sweet Tea is a refreshing twist on the classic sweet tea, infusing it with the sweet and tangy flavors of fresh strawberries and citrus. Perfect for hot summer days or any time you crave a cool and revitalizing beverage.
Why Make Southern Strawberry Sweet Tea
This delightful beverage combines the beloved tradition of sweet tea with the vibrant taste of ripe strawberries and zesty citrus fruits. It’s a fantastic way to elevate your regular sweet tea and impress your guests with a unique and flavorful drink.
Serving Suggestions
Southern Strawberry Sweet Tea is best served chilled over ice. Pair it with your favorite summer dishes such as grilled meats, salads, or sandwiches for a refreshing and satisfying meal.
Storage Info
Store any leftover Southern Strawberry Sweet Tea in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Before serving, give it a good stir to redistribute the flavors.
Some Techniques or Tips
- For a stronger strawberry flavor, you can add more strawberry puree to the tea.
- Adjust the sweetness of the tea according to your preference by adding more or less sugar.
- Garnish each glass with fresh strawberry slices or lemon/lime wedges for an extra decorative touch.
Variation
Experiment with different fruits such as raspberries or peaches to create your own unique flavored sweet tea.
FAQs about Southern Strawberry Sweet Tea
- Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh? Yes, frozen strawberries can be used if fresh ones are not available. Just make sure to thaw them before pureeing.
- Can I make this tea ahead of time for a party? Absolutely! You can prepare the tea and strawberry puree ahead of time and mix them together just before serving to maintain freshness.
- Can I use a different type of tea bag? While traditional black tea bags are commonly used, you can experiment with flavored tea bags such as raspberry or peach for added depth of flavor. Adjust the sweetness accordingly.
Southern Strawberry Sweet Tea
Ingredients
- 3 cups water
- 6 tea bags
- 1 cup sugar
- 7 cups water (for pitcher)
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1/2 lime, juiced
- 1 basket fresh strawberries
Instructions
- Prepare the Tea:
- Bring 3 cups of water to a boil in a pot.
- Add the 6 tea bags and let them simmer on low heat for 10 minutes.
- Remove the tea bags.
- Sweeten the Tea:
- While the tea is still hot, stir in 1 cup of sugar until dissolved.
- Prepare the Strawberries:
- Hull and chop the strawberries.
- Place them into a food processor or blender and puree for 45 seconds.
- Mix the Tea and Strawberry Puree:
- In a pitcher containing 7 cups of water, pour the brewed tea and sugar mixture. Blend well.
- Add the strawberry puree to the pitcher.
- Add Citrus Juice:
- Squeeze the juice from the lemon and lime into the pitcher.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Stir the contents of the pitcher well to thoroughly mix the tea, strawberry puree, and citrus juice.
- Adjust Sweetness:
- Taste the tea and adjust the sweetness according to preference by adding more sugar if necessary. Stir until thoroughly mixed.
- Serve:
- Pour the strawberry iced tea over ice and enjoy.
