The Best classic Strawberry Iced Tea Recipe – The Daily Papaya

This strawberry iced tea recipe is a traditional, easy to make chilled beverage perfect for those hot summer days.

Most of the ingredients for this strawberry iced tea you probably have on hand, or you can find at your local market or grocery store. With only 4 ingredients it’s a pleasure to share this recipe with you all.

(With no need to make simple syrup!)

This simple Strawberry tea is perfect for when you have to throw a beverage together in little to no time. Taking only 20 minuets, but also wowing your guests at the same time!

I remember as a child sitting on my grandmas porch sipping some strawberry iced tea in one of those thick glass cups from a time before I was alive. those were some of my most fond memories and I truly believe these recipes connect us as family and friends. Having strong roots in American history this drink is a classic.

You can choose to add sugar, or you can make this sugar free or choose to add other sweetener options ranging from maple syrup to stevia. The options are endless and that’s one of the things I love the most about these easy recipes. You don’t have to follow orders!

How to make Strawberry iced tea

I use black Lipton iced tea bags for this recipe but truthfully you can use any tea you have on hand, I’ve found that black tea just gives it that classic iced tea flavor, I use three Lipton black tea bags because I don’t like the tea to be too strong.

Place your tea bags and sugar in heatproof pitcher. Normally I choose to use local honey from a small local company near me instead of sugar. But the traditional recipe does call for regular cane sugar.

bring your water to a boil and pour over tour tea bags and sugar. Let steep for 5 minutes before removing your tea bags.

Blend strawberries with 1/4 cup water until smooth then stir strawberry puree into your tea. let cool then serve over ice. You can choose to add mint leaves or lemon slices.

Yes, it’s that easy!

Strawberry iced tea pro tips!

Make it caffeine free and kid friendly by using an herbal tea, a good herbal tea to try is rooibos tea. This gives your tea a mild flavor that pairs well with the strawberries. Making this beverage caffeine free is typically better for children or those who don’t do caffeine. The tea sachets make for an easier cleanup although loose leaf tea will work just fine just be sure to strain the herbs really well with either a cheese cloth or stainer.

Add fresh peppermint leaves from your garden! fresh mint makes any tea ten times better. It’s not a must for this classic strawberry iced tea recipe but it will give it that refreshing pop, and we all know how well mint, and strawberry goes together!

Add lemon slices. Lemon just the same as mint will go amazingly with the strawberry flavor and if you already have it on hand, I strongly recommend trying this refreshing tea with a lemon wedge.

Don’t over steep! This is especially important if you are using Lipton black iced tea sachets to be sure not to overstep the tea. That can cause the tea to have a slightly bitter flavor. Steep no more than 5 minuets.

Storing your tea

You can make your strawberry iced tea and store in the fridge for up to three days.

Sometimes I will even make it a day or two ahead of time and it will give the tea time to really soak in the strawberry flavors.

Benefits of Strawberry iced tea

Of course, making and drinking this delicious drink should instantly boost your happiness and provide you with dopamine because it is just that good. so that’s a benefit! But There are real health benefits from some of the ingredients used in this tea, and if you choose to make it sugar free it’s a great low-calorie drink.

just to name a few,

• Vitamin C. Strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin C, an antioxidant necessary for skin and immune health!

• Folate. One of the B vitamins, strawberries are a good source of folate which is important for normal tissue growth and cell function as well as fundamental for pregnant women and older adults.
• Potassium. strawberries contain some potassium, this mineral is involved in many essential body functions, such as regulating blood pressure 
• Antioxidant. The black tea is known to have antioxidants like polyphenols. Which are known to provide a host of health benefits.