Introduction
If you’re looking for a refreshing and delicious beverage to cool down on a hot day, look no further than this delightful Strawberry Sweet Tea. Combining sweet strawberries with the classic flavor of sweet tea, this recipe is perfect for summertime gatherings, picnics, or simply enjoying at home. Follow along to create this refreshing drink that is sure to impress your friends and family.
Detailed Ingredients with Measures
For the Strawberry Simple Syrup:
3 cups fresh strawberries, washed, stems removed, and sliced
2 cups water
1 cup sugar
For the Sweet Tea:
3 cups boiling water
3 family-sized Lipton original tea bags (or 9 regular-sized tea bags)
1 cup sugar
8 cups cold water
Juice of 1 large lemon
1 lemon, sliced or wedged, for garnish
6 to 8 whole strawberries, washed with stems on, for garnish
Ice cubes
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 2.5 to 3 hours (including chilling)
Yield: Approximately 12 servings
This Strawberry Sweet Tea is not only simple to make but also offers a burst of flavor that will quench your thirst. Perfect for any occasion, it’s a drink everyone will love. Enjoy!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Strawberry Simple Syrup:
– In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups of water, 1 cup of sugar, and the sliced strawberries.
– Cook over medium-high heat, bringing the mixture to a boil.
– Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30 minutes, or until the strawberries are soft and the liquid has a deep red color.
– Strain the mixture through a mesh strainer into a large pitcher, pressing gently on the strawberries to extract the syrup. Avoid pressing too hard to prevent pulp from entering the syrup.
– Allow the strawberry syrup to cool in the pitcher.
Brew the Sweet Tea:
– In a large bowl, pour 3 cups of boiling water over the tea bags.
– Let the tea steep for 5 minutes, then remove and discard the tea bags.
– While the tea is still hot, stir in 1 cup of sugar until fully dissolved.
Combine and Chill:
– Pour the sweetened tea into the pitcher containing the cooled strawberry syrup.
– Add 8 cups of cold water and the juice of 1 large lemon.
– Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
– Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours, or until thoroughly chilled.
Serve:
– Fill glasses with ice cubes.
– Pour the chilled strawberry sweet tea over the ice.
– Garnish each glass with a lemon slice and a whole strawberry perched on the rim.
– Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Strawberry Flavor:
– For the most intense strawberry flavor, use very ripe strawberries.
Quantity Consideration:
– This recipe yields a large quantity; ensure you have a sufficiently large pitcher or divide the tea between two medium-sized pitchers.
Tea Strength:
– Adjust the number of tea bags to vary the strength of your tea. For a stronger tea, add an extra tea bag and steep for an additional five minutes. For a lighter tea, use fewer tea bags and add extra water.
Flavor Enhancement:
– The tea tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Store in a sealed pitcher in the refrigerator for up to five days. Stir before serving if it has been sitting, as the syrup may settle.
Cook techniques
Preparing the Strawberry Simple Syrup
In a medium saucepan, combine water, sugar, and sliced strawberries. Heat to boil, then reduce heat and let simmer until strawberries are softened and liquid turns deep red. Strain through a mesh strainer to extract syrup.
Brewing Sweet Tea
Pour boiling water over tea bags in a bowl. Steep for 5 minutes, then remove tea bags. Stir in sugar while still hot until dissolved.
Combining Ingredients
In a pitcher, mix the brewed sweet tea with the cooled strawberry syrup, cold water, and lemon juice. Stir thoroughly and refrigerate until chilled.
Serving the Strawberry Sweet Tea
Fill glasses with ice, pour chilled tea over the ice, and garnish with lemon slices and whole strawberries.
FAQ
What type of strawberries should I use?
For the best flavor, use very ripe strawberries.
How can I adjust the strength of my tea?
Vary the number of tea bags; add an extra bag for stronger tea or use fewer bags for lighter tea.
How long can I store the strawberry sweet tea?
You can store it in a sealed pitcher in the refrigerator for up to five days.
Can I make this tea ahead of time?
Yes, the tea tastes better the next day as the flavors meld.
How do I avoid pulp in my strawberry syrup?
Strain the syrup gently through a mesh strainer without pressing too hard on the strawberries.
Conclusion
This refreshing Strawberry Sweet Tea is a delightful blend of flavors, perfect for any occasion. The homemade strawberry simple syrup adds a sweet, fruity twist to classic sweet tea, making it a wonderful beverage to cool down on a sunny day or to impress guests during gatherings. The added lemon provides a zesty brightness that complements the sweetness beautifully.
Strawberry Lemonade
Combine fresh strawberry syrup with lemon juice and water for a deliciously refreshing homemade strawberry lemonade.
Strawberry Iced Tea Fizz
Mix the strawberry sweet tea with sparkling water for a fizzy version of this classic drink, adding a refreshing sparkle.
Sweet Tea Mocktail
Create a fun mocktail by combining the strawberry sweet tea with a splash of club soda and garnishing with fresh mint leaves.
Frozen Strawberry Sweet Tea Granita
Freeze the strawberry sweet tea in a shallow dish, then scrape with a fork to create a slushy granita perfect for summer afternoons.
Tea Infused Strawberry Sorbet
Blend the strawberry syrup with steeped tea and freeze it to create a refreshing sorbet that highlights both strawberry and tea flavors.
Fruit Punch Variation
Mix the strawberry sweet tea with other fruit juices, such as orange or pineapple, to create a vibrant fruit punch for parties.
Strawberry Sweet Tea Smoothie
Blend the cooled strawberry sweet tea with yogurt and ice for a creamy, smoothie version that’s perfect for breakfast or a snack.
