Strawberry Sweet Tea: Southern Classic with a Berry Twist
A Refreshing Sip of Summer in Every Glass
If regular sweet tea is the heart of Southern refreshment, Strawberry Sweet Tea is its flirty, fruity cousin. This drink takes the smooth, bold flavor of classic black tea and blends it with homemade strawberry syrup for a sweet, vibrant, berry-infused twist that’s impossible to put down. It’s bright, pink-hued, and bursting with real strawberry flavor—perfect for cookouts, porch sittin’, or any time you want to feel like you’re sipping sunshine. Ice-cold, lightly tart, and sweet enough to make you smile, this is sweet tea upgraded the Buttered Bliss way.
Ingredients
6–8 regular black tea bags (Lipton or Luzianne work great), 8 cups water (divided), 1½ cups strawberries (fresh or frozen), 1 cup sugar (plus more to taste), juice of half a lemon (optional), ice, extra strawberries and lemon slices for garnish
Instructions
Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan. Once boiling, remove from heat, add tea bags, and let steep for 8–10 minutes. While the tea steeps, make the strawberry syrup: in a separate saucepan, combine strawberries, 1 cup sugar, and 1 cup water. Simmer over medium heat for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries are soft and syrupy. Use a spoon or potato masher to gently mash the berries while they cook. Remove from heat and strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve, pressing the juice out into a bowl. Discard solids or save them for a sweet jammy spread.
Remove tea bags from steeped tea and stir in the strawberry syrup while still warm. Add remaining 3 cups cold water and lemon juice if using. Chill in the fridge for 1–2 hours until cold. Serve over lots of ice with sliced strawberries and lemon wheels in each glass. Stir before serving.
Tips for the Best Flavor
Use ripe, juicy strawberries for a more vibrant, natural sweetness. Adjust sugar to taste depending on how sweet you want it—Southern style leans sweeter. Add fresh mint for a light, herbal contrast. Want it extra cold without watering it down? Make strawberry sweet tea ice cubes and use them for serving.
Optional Add-Ins & Variations
Swap sugar for honey or agave syrup for a different sweetener. Add a splash of sparkling water before serving for a fizzy twist. Stir in fresh basil or a few crushed raspberries for extra berry flair. Spike it with vodka or bourbon for an adults-only version.
Final Thoughts
Strawberry Sweet Tea is the perfect balance of classic Southern charm and fruity fun. It’s refreshing, flavorful, and full of berry goodness that makes every sip feel like summer in a glass. Whether you’re serving it at brunch, by the pool, or just keeping a chilled pitcher in the fridge, this tea always delivers a cool, sweet escape.
Stick around—every visit tastes better than the last at The Buttered Bliss.
