There’s nothing quite like the refreshing sip of a Strawberry Citrus Iced Tea on a hot summer day. Imagine biting into juicy strawberries while tangy citrus bursts forth, leaving your taste buds dancing with joy. strawberry chia yogurt This drink is not only cool and refreshing; it’s like sunshine in a glass, perfect for picnics, barbecues, or just lounging on your porch pretending you’re on a tropical vacation.
As a child, I remember my grandmother serving iced tea on her porch every Sunday. She’d mix her secret concoction, and we all gathered around, eagerly awaiting our turn to taste the sweet nectar that she claimed was brewed with love. strawberry thyme millet bowl Now, I recreate those cherished moments with my Strawberry Citrus Iced Tea, which brings back delightful memories while making new ones with friends and family.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Strawberry Citrus Iced Tea is incredibly easy to whip up in no time, making it perfect for spontaneous gatherings
- The vibrant colors and fruity flavors will impress any guest at your next summer barbecue
- It’s versatile enough to serve as a fun non-alcoholic drink or spiked with your favorite spirits
- Plus, it’s the perfect thirst quencher on scorching days when you crave something refreshing!
I once made this iced tea for a backyard gathering, and everyone insisted I should bottle it up and sell it! The cheers of delight still echo in my ears.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Strawberries: Opt for ripe strawberries that are sweet and juicy for the best flavor.
- Citrus Fruits: Use a mix of lemons and oranges to enhance the tea’s brightness.
- Black Tea Bags: Choose high-quality black tea bags for robust flavor; steeping time is key.
- Honey or Sugar: Adjust sweetness according to your taste; natural honey adds depth.
- Fresh Mint Leaves: Optional but recommended; they add an aromatic flair that elevates the drink.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. For more inspiration, check out this easy bangers and mash recipe recipe.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare the Tea Base: Begin by boiling 4 cups of water in a saucepan over medium heat. Once boiling, remove from heat and add 4 black tea bags. Let steep for about 5 minutes until rich in color and flavor.
Squeeze the Citrus: While the tea is steeping, juice 2 lemons and 1 orange into a bowl. Strain out any seeds or pulp to keep your drink smooth and enjoyable.
Sweeten Your Brew: After removing the tea bags from your steeped tea base, stir in 1/4 cup of honey or sugar until fully dissolved. Adjust sweetness based on personal preference for that perfect balance.
Add Fresh Strawberries: Slice about 1 cup of fresh strawberries and add them to the sweetened tea mixture. Allow them to infuse their flavors into the brew while cooling it down.
Combine Everything Together: In a large pitcher, combine the cooled tea mixture with 2 cups of cold water. Then stir in the freshly squeezed citrus juice for that invigorating zing!
Serve Over Ice: Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour over your Strawberry Citrus Iced Tea mixture. cucumber salad with feta Garnish with mint leaves and extra slices of citrus if desired before serving to impress your guests! peach salad with mint dressing.
This delightful beverage not only quenches your thirst but also brings back fond memories while creating new ones. Enjoy sipping this refreshing Strawberry Citrus Iced Tea at your next gathering!
You Must Know
- Preparing Strawberry Citrus Iced Tea is not just about flavor; it’s an experience
- The sweet aroma of strawberries combined with zesty citrus creates a refreshing symphony that dances in your glass
- Perfect for summer gatherings or quiet evenings, this drink brings sunshine to your day
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by brewing your tea first; while it cools, slice the strawberries and citrus for optimal freshness. This sequence helps enhance flavors and ensures everything is ready when you need it.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in other berries or herbs like mint for a unique twist. Adding honey or agave syrup can also sweeten things up without overpowering the citrus zing.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover Strawberry Citrus Iced Tea in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Serve chilled over ice for the best taste experience.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To prevent bitterness, avoid over-steeping the tea leaves beyond five minutes
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for maximum sweetness and flavor
- When serving, garnish with extra slices of fruit for a beautiful presentation!
Sharing this delightful drink at my last barbecue earned me rave reviews from friends who couldn’t get enough! The combination of sweetness and tang was a hit, making me feel like a superstar chef.
FAQ
Can I use other fruits in Strawberry Citrus Iced Tea?
Absolutely! Raspberries or blueberries can add delicious variations to your iced tea.
How long can I store Strawberry Citrus Iced Tea?
You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days without losing flavor.
What type of tea works best for this recipe?
Black tea is perfect, but green tea offers a lighter and fresher option too!
Strawberry Citrus Iced Tea
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Quench your thirst this summer with a delicious Strawberry Citrus Iced Tea. This vibrant beverage combines juicy strawberries and zesty citrus for a refreshing drink that’s perfect for any gathering. With its bright colors and fruity flavors, it’s an ideal accompaniment to picnics, barbecues, or simply lounging in the sun. Enjoy it as is or elevate it with a splash of your favorite spirit for a fun twist!
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 4 black tea bags
- 2 lemons (juiced)
- 1 orange (juiced)
- 1/4 cup honey or sugar
- 1 cup fresh strawberries (sliced)
- 2 cups cold water
- Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Boil 4 cups of water in a saucepan over medium heat. Once boiling, remove from heat and steep 4 black tea bags for about 5 minutes.
- Juice the lemons and orange into a bowl, straining out seeds and pulp.
- Remove tea bags and stir in honey or sugar until dissolved.
- Add sliced strawberries to the sweetened tea mixture, allowing them to infuse while cooling.
- In a large pitcher, combine the cooled tea mixture with 2 cups of cold water and stir in citrus juice.
- Serve over ice and garnish with mint leaves and extra citrus slices if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Brewed
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
