This vibrant creation marries fresh strawberries and tangy lemon with aromatic black tea to deliver a refreshingly bold summer twist. Perfectly balanced and naturally sweet, this chilled drink radiates effortless cool. Ideal for sunny afternoons, it shines as one of the finest Iced Tea Recipes and Refreshing Drinks Recipes you’ll enjoy.

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I’ve been experimenting with different iced tea recipes and this Refreshing Strawberry Iced Tea has quickly become my favorite drink. What I love about it is the bright, natural flavors that come from using fresh strawberries.

The recipe calls for 1 lb of hulled and sliced strawberries, which are not only a great source of vitamin C but they also add a burst of color. I boil 4 cups of water with 8 black tea bags to create a strong tea base and then add 1/2 cup granulated sugar for that perfect hint of sweetness.

After the tea has cooled, I mix in another 4 cups of cold water along with the juice of one lemon to balance the flavor profile. Adding plenty of ice cubes makes it super refreshing especially on a hot summer day.

This drink is not only low in calories but it’s packed with antioxidants coming from both the tea and strawberries making it a healthy, tasty option.

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s so refreshing—like, the mix of sweet strawberries with tart lemon and smooth black tea really wakes me up. I also like how easy it is to prepare; it doesn’t require hours in the kitchen which is awesome when I’m in a hurry. The blend of flavors is so balanced that no single taste overpowers the rest, and the natural fruitiness from the strawberries makes it feel extra healthy. Lastly, it’s perfect for cooling off on a hot day, and honestly, who doesn’t need a tasty treat to beat the heat?

Ingredients

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Strawberries: Fresh fruits packed with fiber and vitamin C, they adds natural sweetness and vibrancy.
Water: Essential for brewing, it helps infuse the tea and merges flavors for a smooth sip.
Black tea Bags: Offers antioxidants and a light caffeine kick that brings a robust character.
Sugar: Sweetens the drink while balancing tart notes, though too much isnt the healthiest choice.
Lemon Juice: Imparts a tangy burst with vitamin C, brightening up the overall flavor.
Ice Cubes: Quickly cools the tea, making it an irresistibly refreshing drink on hot days.

Ingredient Quantities

1 lb fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

8 cups water (about 4 cups boiled for tea and 4 cups cold for chilling)

8 black tea bags

1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust if you like it sweeter)

Juice of one lemon

Ice cubes, as needed

How to Make this

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1. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a large pot and once boiling, remove it off the heat.

2. Place 8 black tea bags in the hot water and let them steep for about 5 minutes, then remove the bags.

3. Stir in 1/2 cup of granulated sugar until it dissolves completely.

4. While the tea is steeping, prepare your strawberries by hulling and slicing 1 lb of fresh strawberries.

5. In a blender, combine the sliced strawberries with the juice of one lemon until you get a mostly smooth mixture.

6. Add this strawberry and lemon blend to the tea.

7. Pour in the remaining 4 cups cold water and mix everything well.

8. Chill the tea in the refrigerator for a couple of hours, then serve it over lots of ice cubes and enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Large pot – for boiling water
2. Measuring cups – for water and sugar measurements
3. Stirring spoon – to mix and dissolve the granulated sugar
4. Knife – to hull the strawberries
5. Cutting board – for slicing the strawberries
6. Blender – to combine the strawberries and lemon juice
7. Pitcher or large container – to mix the tea, strawberry blend and cold water
8. Refrigerator – for chilling the finished tea
9. Glasses – for serving the tea with plenty of ice cubes

FAQ

Q: How long should I steep the tea for best flavor? A: Steep the tea bags in the boiled water for about 5 minutes, then remove them so the tea doesn't turn bitter.

Q: Can I adjust the sweetness? A: Sure, you can add more or less sugar than the 1/2 cup suggested depending on how sweet you like it.

Q: Can I use frozen strawberries if fresh ones aren't available? A: You can, but fresh strawberries really give that bright flavor and color so they're best if you can get 'em.

Q: Is there a trick to keeping the tea extra refreshing? A: Yeah, try adding a few fresh mint leaves before serving. It really boosts the flavor.

Q: How long does the iced tea keep in the fridge? A: It stays good for about 3 days, but it tastes best when you drink it right away.

Refreshing Strawberry Iced Tea Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you cant get fresh strawberries, try using raspberries or blueberries instead. They add a similar sweet tangy flavor.
If you run out of black tea bags, you can use green tea or even herbal tea like hibiscus for a twist on the taste.
If you dont have granulated sugar, a good substitution is honey or agave syrup. Remember honey is sweeter so use a bit less.
If you dont have lemon on hand, lime juice works fine. It gives a similar citrus kick to the tea.

Pro Tips

1. Try dissolving the sugar in the hot tea right away so that it doesnt get gritty later and every sip tastes smooth
2. If you like a stronger fruity kick you can lightly muddle a few extra strawberry slices in the pitcher before mixing everything together
3. Dont be afraid to start with a little less sugar and add more once its chilled because sometimes the cold can mute the sweetness
4. For best flavor let the mixture chill for plenty of time even a few extra hours so that the tea and strawberry flavors really get to know each other