This Strawberry Sweet Tea is like sipping on sunshine with a Southern twist. Whether you’re lounging on the porch, hosting a backyard BBQ, or looking to cool off on a hot afternoon, this drink delivers a bright burst of strawberry flavor with a smooth black tea finish. It’s sweet, tangy, and the perfect balance of refreshing and indulgent.
Instead of grabbing a bottle from the store, this homemade version gives you total control over sweetness and strength. Made with real strawberries, freshly brewed tea, and a touch of lemon, it tastes like summer in a glass. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare and great for gatherings, meal prep, or just treating yourself midweek.
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries for This Tea?
Yes, absolutely! Frozen strawberries work just as well as fresh and can even help chill the tea faster. Just be sure to use unsweetened frozen strawberries so you don’t overdo the sugar. When in season, fresh strawberries will give you the most vibrant flavor, but frozen is a solid year-round option.
Ingredients for the Strawberry Sweet Tea
Strawberries
Fresh or frozen, these add natural sweetness, a vivid red hue, and juicy fruit flavor.
Black Tea Bags
Provides the robust base for the tea. Choose a quality brand for a clean, strong flavor.
Sugar
Balances the tang of the strawberries and enhances the tea’s richness. You can adjust this to your taste.
Water
Used for brewing and blending—make sure it’s filtered for the cleanest taste.
Lemon Juice
Adds brightness and a touch of tartness to round out the sweet notes.
Ice
Essential for serving it chilled and crisp.


How To Make the Strawberry Sweet Tea
Step 1: Brew the Tea
Boil 4 cups of water, then remove from heat. Add 4 black tea bags and let steep for 8–10 minutes. Remove tea bags and allow the tea to cool.
Step 2: Make the Strawberry Syrup
In a saucepan, combine 1 pound of hulled strawberries, 1 cup of sugar, and 1/2 cup of water. Simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes until the strawberries are soft and the mixture thickens slightly. Mash the strawberries gently and strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve.
Step 3: Mix the Tea and Syrup
In a large pitcher, combine the cooled tea and strawberry syrup. Add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and stir well.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the sweet tea for at least 1 hour. Serve over ice with fresh strawberry slices and lemon wedges if desired.
How to Serve and Store Strawberry Sweet Tea
Serve this refreshing tea ice-cold in tall glasses filled with crushed or cubed ice. For a visual and flavorful upgrade, garnish with halved strawberries or lemon slices. It’s perfect as a party pitcher or for sipping throughout the day.
Store any leftover tea in the fridge for up to 4 days. Be sure to keep it covered to preserve the freshness. If you’re prepping in advance, store the strawberry syrup and brewed tea separately and mix before serving to retain the vibrant flavor.
What to Serve With Strawberry Sweet Tea?
Southern Fried Chicken
Crispy, juicy, and salty—perfectly balanced by the sweet tea.
Cornbread Muffins
Slightly sweet and tender, cornbread is an easy Southern pairing.
BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Savory, smoky, and melt-in-your-mouth—washed down best with a fruity tea.
Deviled Eggs
Creamy and tangy bites that match well with the brightness of the drink.
Watermelon Salad
Cool, crisp, and hydrating with mint or feta—a picnic-perfect match.
Cucumber Tea Sandwiches
Light and delicate, a subtle contrast to the tea’s sweetness.
Strawberry Shortcake
Double down on strawberry for dessert. This combo screams summer.
Grilled Veggie Skewers
Smoky vegetables and sweet tea bring balance to your plate.
Want More Refreshing Drink Ideas?
If you’re loving this Strawberry Sweet Tea, you might want to try these other sippable sensations too:
- Virgin Lavender Mojito — Floral, citrusy, and calming.
- Sweet Corn and Shrimp Chowder — Great as a savory pairing.
- Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight — Hearty mains that pair beautifully with iced tea.
- Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries and Feta — Sweet and savory pairing potential.
- Cucumber Cottage Cheese Bowl — Light and crunchy alongside your fruity drink.
Save This Pin For Later
📌 Save this refreshing Strawberry Sweet Tea to your Pinterest drink board so you can come back to it all summer long.
Have you tried it with sparkling water or swapped in green tea? Let me know how you customized it in the comments below!
Explore more chilled sips and vibrant health-boosting drinks on ChefAlchemy Recipes on Pinterest.
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Strawberry Sweet Tea
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This homemade Strawberry Sweet Tea is a refreshing blend of fresh strawberries, robust black tea, and a splash of lemon — perfect for summer sipping. With vibrant color and real fruit flavor, it’s far better than anything store-bought. Whether you’re hosting a cookout or simply relaxing on a hot day, this easy drink recipe is sweet, tart, and totally thirst-quenching. Ideal for gatherings, BBQs, or healthy snack pairings, it also makes a great option for anyone searching for drink ideas, non-alcoholic summer beverages, or fruity iced tea recipes.
Ingredients
1 pound strawberries, hulled
4 black tea bags
1 cup sugar
4 1/2 cups water (divided)
2 tablespoons lemon juice
Ice for serving
Instructions
1. Boil 4 cups of water, then remove from heat. Add tea bags and steep for 8–10 minutes. Remove and cool.
2. In a saucepan, combine strawberries, sugar, and 1/2 cup water. Simmer for 10 minutes until soft.
3. Gently mash strawberries, then strain through a fine mesh sieve to create syrup.
4. In a pitcher, combine cooled tea, strawberry syrup, and lemon juice. Stir well.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
6. Serve over ice with fresh strawberry or lemon slices if desired.
Notes
Adjust sugar to taste or swap with honey or agave for a twist.
Use frozen strawberries for convenience — no need to thaw.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg