Strawberry sweet iced tea is a fruity, refreshing drink made from black tea and a homemade strawberry simple syrup. Bright, sweet, and thirst-quenching, it’s an ideal beverage for hot days, backyard barbecues, and summer gatherings.
This recipe is part of a Juneteenth celebration featuring many Black culinary creators. Juneteenth marks the final emancipation of enslaved people in the United States in 1865 and is often celebrated as a day of freedom, food, and community. Strawberry sweet iced tea — with its vibrant red color and refreshing flavor — makes a fitting addition to any Freedom Day menu.
Strawberry sweet tea is a Southern-style iced tea made extra-special by a homemade strawberry syrup. It’s easy to prepare ahead of time and keeps well in the refrigerator for several days, making it perfect for entertaining. Pair it with classic Southern sides, grilled mains, or light desserts for a complete summer spread.
Ingredients You Need To Make This Recipe
Measurements and the full method are in the recipe card below. This list highlights the essential ingredients:
- Black tea bags. Use family-size tea bags or regular bags (12 regular bags = 4 family-size). Strong black tea makes the best base for sweet tea.
- Water. For brewing tea and making the strawberry syrup.
- Frozen or fresh strawberries. Frozen strawberries work well for syrup, but fresh hulled berries can be used instead.
- Granulated sugar. Sweet tea is traditionally sweet; adjust the sugar to taste or substitute part with honey if desired.
- Baking soda. A pinch helps reduce bitterness and keeps the tea tasting smooth.
- Fresh strawberries and lemon slices. Optional garnishes for serving.
How To Make This Recipe
- Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a large saucepan. Remove from heat and add the tea bags. Steep for about 5 minutes, then remove the tea bags without squeezing them. Let the brewed tea cool to room temperature.
- In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup water, the frozen strawberries (or 2 cups fresh hulled strawberries), and 1½ cups granulated sugar. Heat over medium-high, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Continue cooking 10–12 minutes until the berries break down and the liquid turns red.
- Mash the strawberries gently with the back of a spoon to release more juice. Allow the syrup to cool, then strain it through a fine-mesh strainer into a bowl, pressing the fruit to extract the liquid.
- In a gallon pitcher, combine the cooled tea, the strained strawberry syrup, and 1/8 teaspoon baking soda. Add 4 cups cold water and stir to combine. Taste and adjust sweetness or water to preference.
- Add ice, fresh sliced strawberries, and lemon slices if serving immediately. Serve over ice and garnish each glass with additional berries or lemon wedges.
Variations and Substitutions
- Use 2 cups fresh hulled strawberries in place of frozen berries for a brighter, fresher syrup.
- If you only have regular tea bags, use 12 regular bags instead of 4 family-size bags.
- Replace some of the sugar with honey for a mellow floral note, or reduce sugar for a less-sweet version.
Can I Use Other Kinds of Fruit in This Recipe?
Yes — this method works well with many fruits. Try any of the following for different flavored sweet teas:
- Raspberries
- Blueberries
- Peaches
- Mango
- Pineapple
- Oranges
- Cranberries
- Pomegranate
More FAQs
- Why add baking soda to sweet tea? A tiny amount of baking soda helps neutralize the slight bitterness of black tea and produces a smoother taste.
- How long will homemade sweet tea last? Best within one day for peak freshness, but it can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Why is sweet tea popular in the South? Sweet iced tea became widespread because it is a refreshing, easy-to-make beverage that pairs well with Southern cuisine and warm weather.
What To Serve With Strawberry Sweet Iced Tea
This iced tea pairs beautifully with many Southern dishes and picnic favorites. Consider serving it alongside fried or grilled mains, light salads, hush puppies, deviled eggs, or sweet desserts for a balanced summer menu.
- Southern fried okra or green tomatoes
- BBQ sliders or grilled burgers
- Cajun shrimp, deviled eggs, or smoked meats
- Buttermilk pie, bread pudding, or other classic desserts
Recommended Tools For This Recipe
- Saucepans (large and medium)
- Mixing bowl
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Wooden spoon
- Large glass pitcher
📖 Recipe
Strawberry Sweet Iced Tea
Author: Ashley Boyd
Strawberry sweet iced tea is a fruity, refreshing beverage made with black tea and a simple homemade strawberry syrup. Perfect for cooling off on a hot day.
Yield
About 10 cups (serves 8–10)
Prep Time
5 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Time
25 minutes
Ingredients
- 9 cups water, divided (4 cups for brewing tea, 1 cup for syrup, 4 cups cold to finish)
- 4 family-size tea bags (or 12 regular tea bags)
- 16 oz (1 lb) frozen strawberries, whole (or 2 cups fresh hulled strawberries)
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon baking soda
- Fresh sliced strawberries and lemon, for serving
Equipment
- Large glass pitcher
- Large and medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Fine-mesh strainer
Instructions
- Bring 4 cups water to a boil. Remove from heat and steep the tea bags for 5 minutes. Remove tea bags and allow the tea to cool.
- Combine frozen strawberries, 1 cup water, and sugar in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium-high, stirring until sugar dissolves. Simmer 10–12 minutes until berries break down and liquid turns red.
- Mash the berries gently against the pan, cool slightly, then strain the syrup into a bowl, pressing the fruit to extract the juice.
- In a gallon pitcher, mix the cooled tea, strawberry syrup, and baking soda. Add 4 cups cold water, stir, and adjust sweetness as needed. Serve over ice with fresh strawberries and lemon slices.
Notes
- Substitute 2 cups fresh hulled strawberries for frozen if preferred.
- Use 12 regular tea bags if you don’t have family-size bags.
- Store leftover tea in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition (per 1 cup)
Approximate values: 127 kcal, 33.9 g carbohydrates, 32.7 g sugar, 0.9 g fiber, 16 mg sodium.
More Delicious Juneteenth Recipes!
The Great Migration and Soul Food Classics
During the Great Migration, many African Americans brought Southern culinary traditions to new regions of the United States. Those recipes evolved into the soul food and regional favorites we enjoy today. For a Juneteenth cookout, consider pairing this tea with baked beans, candied yams, grilled chicken, or seafood feasts.
- Chesapeake-style crab feasts and steamed crabs
- BBQ beef plate ribs and spatchcock chicken
- Classic Southern potato salad and baked beans
- Old-fashioned candied sweet potatoes and red velvet or other classic desserts
Celebrate freedom and community by cooking, sharing, and enjoying these recipes with friends and family.