This Strawberry Lemonade Iced Tea is a cool, fruity drink combining sweet strawberries, tangy lemon, and refreshing iced tea. It’s perfect for hot days and tastes both fruity and soothing.
I like to think of it as summer in a glass. Sometimes I add a bit more lemon—you can never have too much zing in your drink!
For an even easier chill, just brew the tea ahead and keep it cold. Add strawberries and lemon right before serving for the freshest flavor!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh strawberries: These add natural sweetness and a vibrant flavor. I recommend hulled, ripe strawberries for the best taste. If fresh isn’t available, frozen strawberries work well—just thaw and drain excess liquid.
Fresh lemons: Lemons give the lemonade a bright, tangy flavor. Use ripe, juicy lemons for more juice and flavor. Lemon juice from concentrate is a quick swap if fresh lemons aren’t on hand—just cut back slightly on added sugar.
Black or green tea: Brewed tea is the base; black gives a bold flavor, green offers a grassy note. For a caffeine-free version, use herbal tea or decaf options. Make sure your tea is brewed strong to hold up against the fruit flavors.
Sugar or honey: These sweeteners balance tartness and add richness. Honey adds a floral note, while sugar gives a clean sweetness. Maple syrup or agave nectar can be good natural substitutes—just adjust quantities to taste.
How do I properly brew tea without it becoming bitter?
1. Use fresh, cold water and bring it to a boil. Glass or metal pots work best.
2. Pour boiling water over tea bags or leaves, then steep for the right time—about 3-5 minutes for black, 2-3 for green.
3. Remove tea bags/leaves promptly to prevent over-extraction, which can cause bitterness. Let the tea cool before mixing with other ingredients.
How to Make Strawberry Lemonade Iced Tea?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Strawberry Lemonade:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)
- 1/4 cup honey or sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup water
For the Iced Tea:
- 4 cups brewed black tea, cooled
- Ice cubes
- Sliced lemons and strawberries for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
Preparation time: 10 minutes, Chill time: 1 hour, Total: 1 hour 10 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Strawberry Puree
Blend the strawberries, honey, lemon juice, and water until smooth. Strain if desired. Chill the puree for at least 30 minutes.
2. Brew and Cool the Tea
Brew the black tea and let it sit until it reaches room temperature. Refrigerate until cold, about 30 minutes to 1 hour.
3. Combine and Serve
In a pitcher, mix the cooled tea and strawberry lemonade puree. Add ice cubes. Garnish with sliced strawberries and lemons if you like. Serve cold.
