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Nothing says summer quite like a tall glass of refreshing strawberry tea. This blend of juicy fresh strawberries with robust black tea and a touch of mint will brighten any afternoon or gathering. Inspired by the simple joys of warm weather, this recipe brings out vibrant flavors and makes enjoying tea feel like a seasonal treat both elegant and comforting.
I first created this when I wanted something special for a backyard picnic. Friends now text me whenever the skies turn sunny, hoping for another batch.
Ingredients
- Fresh strawberries, chopped: use berries that are deeply red and fragrant at the store for best flavor
- Black tea bags: classic English breakfast or your preferred variety, shop for teak bags that smell bright not musty
- Granulated sugar: you can try organic cane sugar for a more subtle sweetness
- Water: filtered or spring water works best for a pure taste
- Baking soda: just a pinch to reduce any bitterness and keep the tea perfectly smooth
- Mint leaves (optional): lovely for garnish, fresh mint should be vibrant with no wilted spots
Instructions
- Boil the Water:
- Bring two cups of water to a rolling boil in a medium saucepan. Use a heavy-bottomed pan if you have one for even heating and a clean taste.
- Steep the Tea:
- Once you have a vigorous boil remove the pan from heat. Drop in all of the tea bags so they are fully submerged and cover the pan. Leave to steep exactly five minutes then remove the bags while still hot to avoid bitterness.
- Create the Tea Base:
- Pour the hot tea into a large pitcher. Add four more cups of cold water followed by the baking soda. Stir thoroughly so the baking soda is completely dissolved. This small trick keeps the finished tea soft and never tannic.
- Make the Strawberry Syrup:
- Using the same saucepan add the remaining two cups of water plus all the chopped strawberries and sugar. Stir well and bring up to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Let it bubble for about twenty minutes stirring occasionally until the berries break down and the liquid turns pink and fragrant.
- Strain the Strawberry Syrup:
- Take the pan off the heat and cool the mixture to room temperature. Set a fine mesh sieve over a smaller pitcher or cup then carefully pour in the syrup. Press firmly on the strawberry solids with a spoon to extract every last drop of juice.
- Combine Tea and Syrup:
- Carefully pour the fresh strawberry syrup into the pitcher with the tea base. Stir slowly but thoroughly until the color and sweetness are uniform.
- Serve Over Ice:
- When serving fill tall glasses with ice cubes and pour the strawberry tea generously over the top. Garnish with extra strawberry slices or mint if you like extra color and aroma.
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The pure intensity of the sweet strawberry syrup always amazes me. Freshly picked berries from the market taste like sunshine and always remind me of gathering berries with my grandmother who insisted we sample before picking.
Storage Tips
Store leftover strawberry tea in a sealed pitcher in the refrigerator for up to four days. Stir before serving as the fruit flavor settles over time.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use green tea bags instead of black for a lighter color and taste. Honey or maple syrup work instead of granulated sugar in the syrup for a deeper flavor. If strawberries are out of season try frozen berries that have been thawed.
Serving Suggestions
This tea pairs beautifully with summer salads grilled fare or light desserts. Try serving in small mason jars with mint sprigs for a backyard party vibe. For an extra fancy touch freeze strawberry slices in ice cubes ahead of time.
Cultural or Historical Context
Sweet fruit teas like this are a summertime staple in the American South. Serving fancy iced teas has long been a tradition at gatherings showers and picnics. This recipe echoes those roots while offering a refreshing modern twist that fits any celebration.
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This strawberry tea makes every gathering feel special and festive. Its bright color and natural flavors will have everyone reaching for a second glass.