Growing up, sweet tea wasn’t just a drink it was a love language. I remember standing beside my mom as she steeped tea bags and sliced lemons, always with a pitcher ready for surprise guests. The first time I added strawberries, it turned into something even more special: a Southern Strawberry Sweet Tea that tasted like sunshine.
This version blends fresh strawberry syrup with classic black tea, lemon juice, and just the right sweetness. It’s colorful, comforting, and perfect for porch sipping or potlucks. Like our pull-apart bread or slow cooker kielbasa, this drink brings people together—without much fuss.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
From Strawberries to Sweet Sips
Simple Ingredients Southern Strawberry Sweet Tea
The beauty of this Southern Strawberry Sweet Tea is that it starts with everyday ingredients and turns into something magical. You’ll need:
- 3 cups sliced fresh strawberries
- 2 cups water + 8 cups cold water
- 1 cup sugar (for syrup) + 1 cup sugar (for tea)
- 3 family-sized Lipton original tea bags
- Juice of 1 lemon, plus lemon slices for garnish
- 6–8 strawberries for glass garnish
- Ice for serving
These are pantry basics with a fresh twist—just like our garlic cheeseburger rollups, it’s everyday ingredients made extra special.
Step-by-Step:Southern Strawberry Sweet Tea
Start with the syrup: combine 2 cups water, 1 cup sugar, and sliced strawberries in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce and simmer for 30 minutes. The berries should soften and turn the liquid a deep red. Strain carefully into your pitcher—press gently, but don’t mash.
Meanwhile, steep your tea: in a bowl, pour 3 cups of boiling water over the tea bags. Let steep for 5 minutes, then remove the bags. Stir in 1 cup sugar until dissolved.
Now add your tea to the pitcher, along with 8 cups of cold water and the juice of 1 lemon. Stir everything gently and refrigerate until chilled. Serve over ice, garnish with lemon slices and fresh strawberries, and enjoy!
How to Get That Signature Taste Every Time
Getting your Southern Strawberry Sweet Tea just right comes down to balance. Use ripe, sweet strawberries for the syrup—if they’re tart, your tea will need more sugar. And always use whole lemon juice, not bottled. That bright acidity brings it all together.
Want your tea stronger? Steep the bags a little longer or add one more. Want it sweeter? Add a bit more syrup to taste after chilling.
To serve, fill tall glasses with ice, add lemon slices, and perch a whole strawberry on the rim—just like we do with our easy summer desserts. It’s a small touch that turns a simple drink into something special.
Your Go-To Tea for Gatherings and Summer Days
This Southern Strawberry Sweet Tea is perfect for making ahead. In fact, it tastes better after a few hours in the fridge when the flavors blend beautifully. Just store it in a sealed pitcher and give it a quick stir before serving.
Planning a party? You can double the recipe and prep everything the day before. It holds up for 3 to 4 days in the fridge.Southern Strawberry Sweet Tea.
Want to mix it up? Try adding a splash of sparkling water or vodka for a fun twist. Or swap the black tea for hibiscus or green tea for a lighter flavor—just like our taco cupcakes, this recipe is built for creativity.
for more recipes follow me in facebook and pinterest
FAQs Southern Strawberry Sweet Tea
Can I use frozen strawberries for Southern strawberry sweet tea?
Yes! Frozen strawberries work well in this Southern strawberry sweet tea. Just be sure to thaw them first so they release their juices easily when simmered into syrup.
How do I keep strawberry sweet tea from being too sweet?
Start by using less sugar in the syrup or tea, then adjust to taste after everything chills. Fresh lemon juice also helps cut through the sweetness and balance the flavor.
What type of tea is best for making Southern sweet tea?
Classic black tea is best especially family-sized Lipton or Luzianne bags. They hold up well to fruit syrups and sugar without getting bitter.
How long does homemade strawberry sweet tea last in the fridge?
Stored in a sealed pitcher, it stays fresh for 3 to 4 days. The flavor deepens over time, making it even better after chilling for a few hours.
A Sweet Sip of Southern Comfort
Some drinks just feel like home and this Southern Strawberry Sweet Tea is one of them. It’s bright, fruity, and brewed with the kind of love that turns a simple pitcher into a memory. Whether you’re pouring it for a summer BBQ, a slow afternoon on the porch, or just a little treat at the end of a long day, this tea is always a good idea.
If this one brings a little joy to your table, try pairing it with comfort favorites like our bacon cheeseburger rollups or pull-apart bread. Here’s to keeping things simple—and always sweet.
Southern Strawberry Sweet Tea – Best Summer Sipper Ever
Ingredients
- 3 cups sliced fresh strawberries
- 2 cups water (for syrup)
- 1 cup sugar (for syrup)
- 3 cups boiling water
- 3 family-sized Lipton original tea bags
- 1 cup sugar (for tea)
- 8 cups cold water
- Juice of 1 lemon"
- 1 lemon, sliced for garnish
- 6 strawberries, whole, for glass garnish
- Ice for serving
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine 2 cups water, 1 cup sugar, and sliced strawberries. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes until strawberries soften and the syrup is deep red.
- Strain syrup into a large pitcher using a mesh strainer. Press gently but don’t mash.
- In a bowl, steep 3 tea bags in 3 cups boiling water for 5 minutes. Remove tea bags.
- Stir 1 cup sugar into the hot tea until dissolved.
- Pour sweet tea into the pitcher with strawberry syrup.
- Add 8 cups of cold water and the juice of 1 lemon. Stir to combine.
- Refrigerate 2–3 hours. Serve over ice with lemon slices and strawberries on the glass.
