Southern Strawberry Sweet Tea – A Refreshing Twist on a Classic Sip

Southern Strawberry Sweet Tea – A Refreshing Twist on a Classic Sip

When the sun’s high and the air is thick with summer warmth, nothing quenches your thirst quite like a tall glass of Southern sweet tea. But when you add fresh strawberries and a splash of lemon? Pure magic. This Southern Strawberry Sweet Tea is equal parts nostalgic and refreshing, blending the deep comfort of traditional sweet tea with bright, fruity flavors. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or just lounging on the porch, this drink brings the charm of the South to every sip.

Ingredients

Strawberry Simple Syrup:

• 3 cups sliced strawberries

• 1 cup sugar

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Southern Sweet Tea Base:

• 3 family-sized black tea bags

• 3 cups water (for steeping tea)

• 1 cup sugar

• 8 cups cold water

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• 2 lemons, sliced or juiced

• Ice (as needed for serving)

Instructions

1. Make the Strawberry Syrup:
   In a medium saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries and 1 cup of sugar. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes syrupy (about 10–15 minutes). Lightly mash the strawberries to release their juices. Remove from heat and strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve, pressing out as much liquid as possible. Let it cool.

2. Brew the Sweet Tea:
   In a pot, bring 3 cups of water to a boil. Remove from heat and add the tea bags. Let them steep for 10–15 minutes for a bold, rich flavor. Discard the tea bags, then stir in 1 cup of sugar while the tea is still warm. Mix until completely dissolved.

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3. Mix It All Together:
   In a large pitcher or beverage dispenser, pour in the brewed tea, the cooled strawberry syrup, and 8 cups of cold water. Stir well to combine.

4. Add Lemon and Chill:
   Add lemon slices or fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavor. Taste and adjust for sweetness or acidity as needed. Chill in the fridge until ready to serve.

5. Serve Over Ice:
   Fill glasses with plenty of ice and pour the chilled strawberry sweet tea over top. Garnish with fresh strawberry slices or lemon wedges if desired.

Closing Notes
This Southern Strawberry Sweet Tea is more than just a drink—it’s a moment of calm, poured over ice. With the fruity sweetness of ripe strawberries and the smooth soul of black tea, it’s the perfect refreshment for warm afternoons or special gatherings. From Layers of Calm, we invite you to sip slowly, savor fully, and come back for more.