Refreshing Strawberry Iced Tea (Print version)
Fresh strawberries, black tea, lemon, and a quick syrup make a cold pitcher of fruity iced tea that tastes clean and bright.
# Ingredients:
For the strawberry syrup
01 -
1 lb (450 g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
02 -
3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
03 -
1 cup (240 ml) water
For the tea
04 -
4 black tea bags, or 2 family-size iced tea bags
05 -
4 cups (960 ml) boiling water
06 -
2 cups (480 ml) cold water, plus more to taste
07 -
1/3 cup (80 ml) fresh lemon juice
08 -
Ice, for serving
09 -
Sliced strawberries, lemon wheels, and fresh mint, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Combine strawberries, sugar, and 1 cup water in a saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until the berries soften and the liquid turns red.
02 -
Pour the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl or large measuring cup. Press gently on the berries to extract the syrup, then discard the solids.
03 -
Place the tea bags in a heatproof pitcher or bowl. Pour 4 cups boiling water over them and steep for 5 minutes. Remove the tea bags without squeezing.
04 -
Stir the strawberry syrup, brewed tea, cold water, and lemon juice together in a large pitcher. Taste and add more cold water if you want it lighter.
05 -
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Serve over ice with sliced strawberries, lemon wheels, and mint.
# Good to know:
01 -
Makes about 2 quarts, depending on dilution.
02 -
Best served very cold over fresh ice.
03 -
Strawberry syrup can be made up to 3 days ahead.