Strawberry Iced Tea Recipe

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by Aileen Reed

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Strawberry Iced Tea Recipe

The Strawberry Iced Tea Recipe is a refreshing drink that perfectly combines the sweetness of fresh strawberries with a hint of citrus. Ideal for summer gatherings or a cozy afternoon at home, this iced tea is not only delicious but also easy to make. With minimal ingredients and a quick preparation time, you’ll love serving this delightful beverage at picnics, barbecues, or simply enjoying it on your porch.

Strawberry Iced Tea Recipe
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick Preparation: This recipe takes only 10 minutes to make, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings.
  • Refreshing Flavor: The combination of strawberries and citrus creates a light and fruity taste that’s hard to resist.
  • Customizable Sweetness: Adjust the sweetness to your liking with SPLENDA ZERO™ Liquid Sweetener or regular sugar.
  • Healthy Option: With only 20 calories per serving, this iced tea is a guilt-free way to quench your thirst.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family picnic or a quiet evening at home, this drink fits any setting.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Strawberry Iced Tea Recipe, you will need some basic kitchen tools. These will help ensure that your beverage turns out perfectly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

  • Pitcher
  • Masher
  • Measuring cups
  • Teapot or kettle

Importance of Each Tool

  • Pitcher: Essential for mixing and serving your iced tea, allowing you to make larger batches easily.
  • Masher: Helps release the juice from the strawberries, enhancing the flavor of your iced tea.

Ingredients

Home brewed sweet tea recipe made with fresh strawberries, lemon, and Splenda.

For the Tea Base

  • 2 Cups of boiling water
  • 4 teabags (Earl Gray or Black tea)

For the Strawberry Mixture

  • 2 1/2 Cups sliced strawberries
  • 1 lime or lemon

For Serving

  • 2 Cups ice
  • 2 Cups of cold water
  • SPLENDA ZERO™ Liquid Sweetener or regular granulated sugar (to taste)
Strawberry

How to Make Strawberry Iced Tea Recipe

Step 1: Steep the Tea

Steep 4 teabags in 2 cups of boiling water for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to fully develop.

Step 2: Prepare the Strawberries

In a separate bowl, combine 2½ cups sliced strawberries with the juice of 1 lime or lemon. Add approximately 4 squirts of SPLENDA ZERO™ Liquid Sweetener (or sugar). Use a masher to gently press the strawberries and release their juice.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Pour the steeped tea into a pitcher along with the strawberry mixture. Add 2 cups of cold water and stir until well combined. Taste your iced tea and adjust sweetness if necessary.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Fill glasses with ice and pour in your freshly made strawberry iced tea. Enjoy this refreshing drink on its own or paired with your favorite snacks!

How to Serve Strawberry Iced Tea Recipe

Serving strawberry iced tea is a delightful experience that enhances any gathering. This refreshing drink can be presented in various ways to impress your guests and elevate your summer parties.

Classic Glass Presentation

  • Use tall, clear glasses to showcase the beautiful color of the tea and strawberries.
  • Garnish with a slice of lemon or lime on the rim for added flair.

Pitcher for Sharing

  • Serve the strawberry iced tea in a large pitcher for easy self-serving.
  • Add extra sliced strawberries in the pitcher for an attractive look.

Ice Cubes with Strawberries

  • Freeze small pieces of strawberries in ice cubes and use them in each glass.
  • This keeps the drink cold without diluting it, while adding a pop of color.

Infused Garnishes

  • Add fresh mint leaves as a garnish to bring out the flavors.
  • Experiment with edible flowers for a fancy touch at special occasions.

How to Perfect Strawberry Iced Tea Recipe

Perfecting your strawberry iced tea recipe enhances its flavor and presentation. Here are some helpful tips:

  • Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh strawberries for the best taste and vibrant color. Frozen strawberries can alter the flavor profile.
  • Adjust Sweetness: Start with less sweetener and adjust according to your preference. Everyone’s taste varies, so it’s best to customize it.
  • Chill Before Serving: Allow the tea to chill in the refrigerator before serving. This ensures it’s refreshingly cold and ready to enjoy.
  • Experiment with Teas: Try different types of tea like green or herbal blends for unique flavor variations. Each type can add its own twist to this recipe.
Strawberry

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Iced Tea Recipe

Pair your strawberry iced tea with some delicious side dishes that complement its fruity flavors. Here are some great options:

  1. Caprese Salad: A fresh mix of mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic vinegar adds a refreshing taste.
  2. Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinated chicken skewers provide a savory contrast to the sweetness of the iced tea.
  3. Fruit Platter: A colorful assortment of seasonal fruits pairs well and enhances the overall freshness of your meal.
  4. Shrimp Cocktail: Chilled shrimp served with cocktail sauce offers a light, elegant option that goes well with drinks.
  5. Mini Sandwiches: Create an assortment of mini sandwiches using turkey, cucumber, or cream cheese for easy snacking.
  6. Cheese Board: A selection of cheeses, crackers, and nuts provides variety and pairs nicely with fruity drinks.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

It’s easy to make errors when preparing your Strawberry Iced Tea Recipe. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

  • Oversteeping the tea: Leaving the tea bags in boiling water for too long can make your iced tea bitter. Steep for only 3-5 minutes for the best flavor.
  • Not mashing strawberries enough: If you don’t press the strawberries well, you might miss out on their sweet juices. Use a masher to ensure maximum flavor infusion.
  • Skipping the taste test: Before serving, always taste your tea to check sweetness. Adjust with more SPLENDA or sugar if necessary.
  • Using hot water instead of cold: Adding ice directly into hot tea can dilute it quickly. Make sure to cool your tea before serving it over ice.
  • Ignoring freshness of ingredients: Fresh strawberries yield better flavor than frozen ones. Always opt for ripe, juicy strawberries for the best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

  • Store in an airtight pitcher or container.
  • Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing Strawberry Iced Tea Recipe

  • Freeze in ice cube trays for up to 2 months.
  • Transfer cubes to a freezer bag once frozen.

Reheating Strawberry Iced Tea Recipe

  • Oven: Preheat oven to low heat (around 200°F). Place the iced tea in an oven-safe container until warmed through.
  • Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds at medium power, stirring between each interval until warm.
  • Stovetop: Pour into a saucepan and heat on low heat while stirring until desired warmth is reached.
Strawberry

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I adjust sweetness in my Strawberry Iced Tea Recipe?

You can easily adjust sweetness by adding more SPLENDA ZERO™ Liquid Sweetener or regular sugar while mixing. Taste as you go!

Can I use other fruits in this iced tea recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute strawberries with other berries like raspberries or blueberries, or even add citrus slices for extra zest.

What type of tea works best for this Strawberry Iced Tea Recipe?

Earl Grey or black tea are great choices due to their robust flavors that complement the sweetness of strawberries.

Is this Strawberry Iced Tea Recipe suitable for kids?

Yes! This refreshing drink is caffeine-free if you use herbal tea, making it a perfect choice for children.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Iced Tea Recipe is not just refreshing; it’s versatile too! You can easily customize it by adding different fruits or adjusting the sweetness levels. Perfect for summer gatherings or a casual afternoon treat, we encourage you to try this simple yet delicious recipe and enjoy its delightful flavors!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Strawberry Iced Tea Recipe

Strawberry Iced Tea Recipe


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  • Author: Aileen
  • Total Time: 0 hours
  • Yield: Serves approximately 4

Description

Indulge in the ultimate refreshment with this Strawberry Iced Tea Recipe, a delightful blend of sweet strawberries and zesty citrus. Perfect for summer gatherings or a quiet afternoon on the porch, this iced tea is incredibly easy to prepare and requires just a few simple ingredients. In under 10 minutes, you can whip up this tasty drink that boasts only 20 calories per serving, making it a guilt-free treat. Whether you’re enjoying it solo or sharing it at picnics and barbecues, this beverage is sure to impress guests of all ages. Customize the sweetness to your liking with SPLENDA ZERO Liquid Sweetener or sugar, and enjoy the vibrant flavors of fresh strawberries paired with refreshing tea.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups boiling water
  • 4 teabags (Earl Grey or Black tea)
  • 2 1/2 cups sliced strawberries
  • Juice of 1 lime or lemon
  • 2 cups cold water
  • SPLENDA ZERO Liquid Sweetener or sugar (to taste)
  • Ice

Instructions

  1. Steep the tea: Pour boiling water over the teabags and let steep for 5 minutes.
  2. Prepare strawberries: Mash sliced strawberries with lime or lemon juice and sweetener until juicy.
  3. Combine: Mix steeped tea, strawberry mixture, and cold water in a pitcher; stir well.
  4. Serve: Pour over ice in glasses and enjoy!
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: None
  • Category: Beverage
  • Method: Brewed
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 20
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 5mg
  • Fat: 0g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Fiber: <1g
  • Protein: <1g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

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