Beat the Heat with a Cool Glass of Homemade Strawberry Sweet Tea
As the temperatures rise and the sun beats down, there's nothing quite like a refreshing glass of homemade strawberry sweet tea to cool you off and quench your thirst. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can whip up this delicious summer drink that will have you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated in no time. Say goodbye to the heat with this easy-to-make beverage that's sure to become your new go-to summer staple.
Refreshing Summer Drink of Strawberry Sweet Tea
Summer is the perfect time to sit back and enjoy a refreshing beverage to beat the heat. And what better way to do that than with a glass of homemade strawberry sweet tea? This delicious drink combines the classic flavors of iced tea with the sweetness and tanginess of fresh strawberries, making it the perfect summer thirst quencher.
First introduced in the southern United States, sweet tea has become a staple beverage during hot summer months. It is traditionally made by steeping black tea bags in boiling water and then adding sugar while the tea is still hot, resulting in a slightly syrupy and sweet flavor. However, for our version of this beloved drink, we will be incorporating juicy strawberries into the mix for an added burst of flavor.
Strawberries are not only delicious but also packed with numerous health benefits. They are an excellent source of vitamin C and antioxidants, which can help boost immunity and protect against diseases. Additionally, strawberries are low in calories and high in fiber, making them a guilt-free addition to any drink.
Strawberry Sweet Tea
Prep Time: 5 Minutes
Rest Time: 5 Minutes
Yields: About 52 Ounces
Intro: Strawberry Sweet Tea is the drink you never knew you needed. Bursting with fresh strawberry flavor and, of course, that classic sweet tea we all know and love. Easy and quick!
Ingredients:
● 3 Cups Cold Water
● 2 Cups Boiling Water
● 1 ½ Cups Strawberry Simple Syrup
● ½ Cup White Granulated Sugar
● 5 Regular Black Tea Bags
● Strawberry Slices (optional garnish)
● Ice (optional)
Items Needed:
● Medium Mixing Bowl
● Measuring Cups
Directions:
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Place the boiling water and sugar in a medium mixing bowl.
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Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
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Remove the tea bags from their wrappers and remove the string, gently.
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Place all 5 tea bags in the boiling water. Allow to steep for 5 minutes.
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Carefully, squeeze the water out of the tea bags and discard them.
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Add the strawberry syrup to the bowl and stir well.
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Add the cold water to a pitcher and follow it with the bowl of tea mixture. Stir well.
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Add ice to both the pitcher and your glasses, if desired, and pour the tea into the glasses.
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Garnish each glass with a strawberry slice, if you like, and enjoy!
Tips:
● You will definitely want to chill the tea or ice it down before serving or it will be lukewarm, and I don’t know anyone who likes lukewarm iced tea. Gross.
● Be sure to taste the tea before adding ice to make sure you enjoy the level of strawberry and sugar. Everyone differs!
● Do not leave the tea bags to steep longer than 5 minutes or you risk the tea tasting too bitter. If you like it like that, go for it, but I definitely don’t, so I make sure and pull them out at 5 minutes on the dot.
● For the strawberry simple syrup, you can also use just strawberry syrup as well (NOT the stuff for ice cream). Each brand differs, so I would start out with a third of the amount of syrup and go from there to make sure you don’t ruin your batch of tea.
● I tend to make my own strawberry simple syrup, but Rose’s Simple Syrup or Torani Strawberry Syrup are both great options I use as well.
● Dissolving the sugar when the water is at its hottest is the best time to do it. Don’t make the mistake of adding the sugar after it’s cooled or it will never fully dissolve.
● Lipton is one of my favorite brands for tea bags when it comes to iced tea, but any brand will do. However, be sure to check the strength because brands differ.
Enjoying a glass of homemade strawberry sweet tea is not only a delicious way to beat the summer heat, but it also comes with numerous health benefits. By using fresh strawberries and natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, you can avoid processed sugars and artificial ingredients found in store-bought drinks.
Making your own strawberry sweet tea also gives you the flexibility to adjust the sweetness and strength according to your taste preferences. You can even experiment with different herbs or fruits to create unique flavor combinations.
Moreover, by using loose-leaf tea instead of pre-packaged tea bags, you are supporting sustainability and reducing waste. Loose-leaf tea can be composted after use, whereas most tea bags contain plastic fibers that do not decompose.
Homemade strawberry sweet tea is also a cost-effective option compared to purchasing bottled drinks. A few simple ingredients go a long way in making multiple servings at a fraction of the cost.
Not only is this refreshing drink perfect for quenching thirst on hot summer days, but it also has potential health benefits. Strawberries are rich in antioxidants such as Vitamin C and polyphenols that help boost immunity and protect against diseases. They also contain high levels of potassium which aids in regulating blood pressure.
Black tea provides additional health benefits as well. It contains caffeine which can improve focus and concentration while providing an energy boost without the crash associated with sugary drinks. Black tea also contains flavonoids which have been linked to lower risk of heart disease and improved cognitive function.
Homemade strawberry sweet tea offers more than just a tasty treat – it's a healthy alternative to sugary beverages, supports sustainability efforts, allows for personalization and experimentation with flavors, and is budget-friendly. So why not try making your own batch today? Your taste buds (and body) will thank you!
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