Strawberry Southern Sweet Tea

Sitting on the porch, the summer sun shining brightly, a big glass of ice cold sweet tea isn’t just desired, it’s essential.  There’s no better way to beat the summer heat than with a tall glass of tea in hand.

It’s no mystery that I love tea.  I’ve shared several recipes that revolve around tea; southern sweet tea and bourbon cocktails, my MaMaw’s tea and lemonade, southern style sweet tea, and my sweet tea granita, just to name a few.  So, there’s no guessing that tea has been around my entire life.  It’s a staple.

Flavored teas are becoming increasingly popular.  It’s funny, my dad and I were just talking about this particular topic just the other day.  Tea has always been served with a wedge or two of lemon, but over the past few years the addition of peach, mint, and orange have become an increasingly popular addition to tea.

Strawberries are another fruit that pairs so well with tea.  Sweet, juicy, slightly tart strawberries make the perfect addition to a pitcher of southern-ly sweet tea.  It truly takes the tea up a few notches.

Plus, it always makes you feel just a little more fancy when there’s sliced fruit and sprigs of fresh mint in a tall, ice-filled mason jar.  Don’t you agree?  It’s something so simple, but so truly southern.

A pitcher of this strawberry southern sweet tea is so simple to make, but completely unforgettable.  It is the perfect concoction to keep in the fridge all summer long.  So this Memorial Day weekend, and all summer long, sip on this refreshing tea while enjoying the summer days and trying to beat the heat.

Strawberry Southern Sweet Tea

Ingredients:


6 Large tea bags
5 Cups water
1 Cup sugar
2 Cups sliced strawberries

Directions:


Combine water and sugar in a large saucepan and place over medium heat.  Once the mixture begins to simmer, stir and allow sugar to dissolve.  Once the sugar has dissolved add the tea bags and strawberries and allow mixture to return to a simmer and continue simmering for 5-6 minutes.  Remove from heat, cover with lid and allow to rest for at least 30 minutes to an hour.

Remove and discard the strawberries.  Add 2-3 more cups of water, depending on how strong you like your tea.  Fill glasses with ice and fresh strawberry slices, pour tea in prepared glasses and serve.

Garnish with fresh mint and a strawberry, if desired.

Recipe source: A Lynsey original