Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely. Just let them thaw completely before pureeing to maximize juice yield. Frozen berries tend to be picked at peak ripeness, so they’ll still impart terrific flavor.

Is it possible to make this tea less sweet?

Yes! Adjust the sugar to your liking or experiment with honey, stevia, or another sweetener. Start with less—you can always add more after tasting.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Definitely. You can make a full pitcher a day ahead. Just keep it chilled and give it a good stir before serving, as some of the strawberry sediment may settle.

Do I need a blender or food processor for the strawberries?

While a blender or food processor makes things easiest and creates the smoothest juice, you can also mash ripe strawberries well with a fork and strain through cheesecloth for similar results in a pinch.

Southern Strawberry Sweet Iced Tea Recipe

Name: Southern Strawberry Sweet Iced Tea Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 4-5 family-size tea bags (such as Luzianne); 2 cups water (for steeping tea); 4 cups ripe strawberries (makes about 1 cup juice); 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 4 cups cold water; Frozen or fresh strawberries (optional, for garnish or ice cubes); Fresh mint (optional, for garnish)

There’s nothing quite like a big glass of Southern Strawberry Sweet Iced Tea—brimming with fresh strawberry flavor, perfectly sweet, and ice-cold. This drink is a true Southern classic with a fruity twist, made for hot afternoons, backyard get-togethers, or simply a moment of refreshment after a busy day. Don’t be intimidated—this homemade strawberry tea is easier than you think, uses only a handful of wholesome ingredients, and comes together in about 30 minutes from start to finish. You won’t want to go back to store-bought after trying this spectacular, sun-kissed iced tea!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Effortless: From the first boil to that satisfying clink of ice in your glass, this recipe is all about minimal fuss and maximum refreshment. You can pull it together in under half an hour, start to finish—no complicated steps or fancy gear needed.
Fresh, Real Ingredients: Every sip bursts with the flavor of real strawberries steeped into brisk black tea. No artificial syrups or mystery flavorings—just honest, juicy goodness.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re serving family, friends, or just enjoying a treat for yourself, this tea is guaranteed to impress. It’s naturally beautiful, and everyone will love that dazzling color!
Customizable: Like your tea extra strong? Prefer it a tiny bit tart? This recipe welcomes all your preferences and easy tweaks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather up these essentials before you begin. Tip: Good ingredients make all the difference in a recipe this simple!

Black Tea Bags (family-size, like Luzianne): Provides that deep, classic Southern tea base—feel free to use another robust brand if you like, but don’t skip the classic!
Ripe Strawberries: The sweeter and riper, the better, as these bring natural flavor and a vibrant hue. If you use frozen, make sure they’re fully thawed.
Granulated Sugar: For that signature Southern sweetness. Adjust to taste—you can add less or more depending on your preferences.
Water: For brewing tea and diluting—use filtered water if you want your tea extra crisp and clear.
Frozen or Fresh Strawberries & Mint (optional): For garnish. Frozen berries double as flavor-packed “ice cubes” that won’t dilute your drink, and mint adds a refreshing aroma.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Don’t hesitate to make this Southern Strawberry Sweet Iced Tea your own. Here are a few ideas:

Lemon-Lovers’ Twist: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the pitcher for tangy brightness, or a few lemon slices for garnish.
Herbal Infusion: Try adding a few sprigs of basil with the mint for a garden-inspired twist.
Low-Sugar Version: Reduce the amount of sugar or swap for honey or a natural sweetener—just be sure to stir until fully dissolved.
Mixed Berry Tea: Blend in a handful of raspberries or blueberries with the strawberries for a more complex berry layer.
Green Tea Base: For a lighter, earthy flavor, substitute black tea for green tea bags.

How to Make Southern Strawberry Sweet Iced Tea

Step 1: Brew the Tea

Start by boiling 2 cups of water—on the stove or in the microwave, whichever is easiest. Remove the pot from the heat and drop in your tea bags. Let them steep for 10 minutes so you capture a bold, rich flavor but not bitterness. Once done, discard the tea bags and let the tea cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Strawberries

While your tea is steeping, dice those gorgeous strawberries. Pop them in your food processor or blender and blend until they’re completely smooth. Then, pour the puree through a mesh strainer into a bowl, pressing down with a spoon to extract all the juice. Discard the seeds and pulp—you only want that vibrant, clear strawberry juice.

Step 3: Mix and Sweeten

In a large pitcher, combine your brewed tea, fresh strawberry juice, and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves—don’t rush this step; you want that sweetness perfectly blended throughout.

Step 4: Add Water and Chill

Now, pour in 4 more cups of cold water. Give everything a good stir. Place the pitcher in the refrigerator and let the tea chill until it’s ice-cold and thoroughly refreshing.

Step 5: Serve

When you’re ready to serve, fill glasses with plenty of ice. For extra flair (and bonus strawberry flavor), use frozen strawberries instead of plain ice cubes. Garnish each glass with a few fresh strawberries or a sprig of mint for the prettiest presentation.

Note: This recipe serves around 6, but can be doubled for a crowd or halved for a smaller batch.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Rush Steeping: Give those tea bags the full 10 minutes—they’re working hard to infuse all that delicious flavor and color.
Strain Thoroughly: Press your strawberry puree through the mesh well; the clearer the juice, the smoother your finished tea and the better the texture.
Dissolve the Sugar Completely: If you notice undissolved sugar at the bottom of your pitcher, give it another vigorous stir or add a bit of hot water to help it blend in.
Go Easy on the Ice: Over-icing will water down your tea. Use frozen berries for chilling without diluting!
Presentation Matters: A pretty garnish of mint and berries instantly takes this from everyday to celebration status.

How to Serve

This dazzling iced tea is a standalone superstar but also plays well with a variety of Southern classics. Serve it at summer picnics, alongside barbecue, fried chicken, or a platter of tea sandwiches. For a sweet treat, pair with fresh scones, buttery biscuits, or slices of homemade pound cake.

When serving to guests, set out a bowl of extra fresh strawberries and a sprig of mint for garnish. Want to go the extra mile? Serve in tall glasses or a mason jar with lots of ice, and maybe even a fun paper straw!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover strawberry sweet tea in the refrigerator—just keep the pitcher covered or sealed to prevent absorbing other fridge odors. It tastes just as vibrant and delicious on day two!

Freezing

Pour some of the tea into ice cube trays and freeze. These “tea cubes” are perfect for future servings, ensuring your tea never gets watered down. Strawberry puree also freezes well; batch-blend and freeze in small containers to have on hand for future pitchers.

Reheating

Iced tea is best enjoyed cold, but if you accidentally leave your pitcher out, or want to serve warm for a cozy twist, gently reheat on the stove and sweeten to taste. Just be careful not to boil and preserve those bright flavors.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely. Just let them thaw completely before pureeing to maximize juice yield. Frozen berries tend to be picked at peak ripeness, so they’ll still impart terrific flavor.
Is it possible to make this tea less sweet?

Yes! Adjust the sugar to your liking or experiment with honey, stevia, or another sweetener. Start with less—you can always add more after tasting.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Definitely. You can make a full pitcher a day ahead. Just keep it chilled and give it a good stir before serving, as some of the strawberry sediment may settle.
Do I need a blender or food processor for the strawberries?

While a blender or food processor makes things easiest and creates the smoothest juice, you can also mash ripe strawberries well with a fork and strain through cheesecloth for similar results in a pinch.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a new family favorite that tastes like sunshine in a glass, this Southern Strawberry Sweet Iced Tea is the answer. It’s effortless, customizable, and brings together the very best of Southern hospitality and fresh, fruity refreshment. Gather those simple ingredients and whip up a batch—you’ll be looking for excuses to make it all summer (and beyond). Cheers to sweet, simple moments and even sweeter tea!