Strawberry Sweet Tea is a refreshing Southern classic that combines the boldness of brewed black tea with the vibrant sweetness of homemade strawberry syrup. It’s perfect for hot days, backyard gatherings, or whenever you need a cool, fruity drink.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with fresh strawberry flavor
- Easy to make with just a few ingredients
- Can be prepared ahead of time
- Customizable sweetness and fruitiness
- A beautiful, vibrant drink for any occasion
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Black tea bags
- Water
- Fresh strawberries
- Granulated sugar
- Lemon juice (optional)
- Baking soda (optional, for bitterness reduction)
Directions

- In a saucepan, combine chopped strawberries, sugar, and a bit of water. Simmer for 5–10 minutes until strawberries break down. Strain the mixture to make strawberry syrup.
- Brew tea by steeping black tea bags in boiling water for about 10–15 minutes.
- Discard tea bags and combine tea with the strawberry syrup in a large pitcher.
- Stir in lemon juice and a pinch of baking soda if desired.
- Chill the tea in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Serve over ice with fresh strawberry slices or lemon wedges for garnish.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 6–12 depending on glass size
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Chill time: 30–45 minutes
Variations
- Use green or herbal tea instead of black tea
- Replace sugar with honey or agave syrup
- Add mint leaves for extra freshness
- Mix with lemonade for a strawberry Arnold Palmer
- Turn it into a cocktail with a splash of vodka or rum
storage/reheating
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days
- Keep in a sealed pitcher to maintain freshness
- Do not reheat; this tea is meant to be served cold
- Freeze in ice cube trays for longer storage or to chill drinks without watering them down
FAQs
What tea should I use for sweet tea?
Black tea, such as Lipton or Luzianne, works best for authentic sweet tea flavor.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, frozen strawberries work just as well for making the syrup.
Why add baking soda?
A small pinch of baking soda reduces bitterness and helps create a smoother tea.
How can I make it less sweet?
Use less sugar in the syrup, or dilute the tea with more water or ice.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it’s perfect for making a day ahead and keeping in the fridge until serving.
Can I use green tea instead of black tea?
Absolutely, though it will have a lighter flavor and color.
What’s the best way to serve it at a party?
Serve in a large pitcher with fruit garnishes and lots of ice.
How do I keep it from getting cloudy?
Use fresh tea, avoid over-boiling, and refrigerate quickly after making.
Can I use a sugar substitute?
Yes, you can use stevia, monk fruit, or other alternatives to suit your diet.
Is it okay to skip straining the syrup?
Yes, if you don’t mind a bit of fruit pulp in your tea.
Conclusion
Strawberry Sweet Tea is a vibrant, flavorful drink that brings a burst of fruity refreshment to your day. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or simply relaxing on the porch, this tea delivers all the charm of classic Southern hospitality with a delicious strawberry twist.
PrintStrawberry Sweet Tea
Refreshing iced tea sweetened with strawberry syrup for a summery twist on classic Southern-style sweet tea.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 6 servings (about 8 oz each) 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop brew & chill
- Cuisine: American/Southern
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 4 black tea bags
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- ½ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 2 cups cold water
- Ice cubes
- Optional garnish: fresh strawberry slices, mint sprigs
Instructions
- Bring 4 cups water to a near-boil in a saucepan.
- Remove from heat, add tea bags, and steep for 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in another small saucepan, simmer strawberries with granulated sugar over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves and berries break down, about 5–7 minutes.
- Strain the strawberry syrup through a fine mesh sieve, pressing to extract juice; discard solids.
- Remove tea bags and stir in strawberry syrup while tea is still warm.
- Add 2 cups cold water, stir, and let tea cool to room temperature.
- Refrigerate until chilled, at least 1 hour.
- Serve over ice, garnished with strawberry slices or mint if desired.
Notes
- Use more or less sugar depending on desired sweetness.
- Substitute honey or agave for sugar for a natural sweetener.
- Try flavored tea (like hibiscus or berry blend) to enhance fruitiness.
- Make a big batch and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- For a fizzy version, top off with sparkling water.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240 mL)
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 10 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg