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Southern Strawberry Iced Tea

Southern Strawberry Iced Tea
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Southern Strawberry Iced Tea is a sweet, tangy, and refreshing beverage that combines robust black tea with fresh strawberries and a hint of lemon. Perfect for cooling off on hot summer days, this vibrant drink delivers a perfectly balanced blend of fruity sweetness and crisp tea flavor. Easy to prepare and customizable, it’s ideal as a flavorful seasonal refreshment or a festive party drink.

Ingredients

Scale

Tea Base

  • 4 strong black tea bags (such as Assam or English Breakfast)
  • 4 cups boiling water
  • Cold water to dilute (about 2 cups)
  • Ice cubes for serving

Strawberry Puree

  • 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, washed and hulled

Sweetener and Flavor

  • 1/4 to 1/3 cup sugar or preferred sweetener, adjust to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Brew the Tea: Start by boiling 4 cups of water and steep 4 black tea bags for 5 to 7 minutes to achieve a strong brew that balances the sweetness of the strawberries. Remove the tea bags and let the tea cool slightly.
  2. Prepare the Strawberry Puree: Wash and hull 1 1/2 cups of fresh strawberries, then blend them into a smooth puree. You may choose to leave some small chunks for added texture or strain the puree for a silky consistency.
  3. Sweeten and Mix: While the tea is still warm, stir in 1/4 to 1/3 cup sugar or your preferred sweetener until fully dissolved. Add 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice to enhance brightness. Combine the sweetened tea with the strawberry puree in a large pitcher and stir well to meld the flavors.
  4. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the mixture for at least one hour to chill thoroughly. Serve over ice cubes in tall glasses, and garnish with fresh strawberry slices, lemon wheels, or a sprig of mint for an extra refreshing touch.

Notes

  • Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best natural sweetness and vibrant flavor.
  • Don’t skip the fresh lemon juice; it balances sweetness and brightens the drink.
  • Steep the tea longer for bolder flavor but avoid over-steeping to prevent bitterness.
  • Chill the brewed tea before mixing with strawberry puree to preserve freshness and aroma.
  • Adjust sweetness gradually, tasting as you go to avoid making the drink too sweet.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry iced tea, southern iced tea, summer drink, refreshing beverage, fruity iced tea, sweet iced tea, lemon iced tea

Find it online: https://marycorner.com/southern-strawberry-iced-tea/