This sweet tea is perfect anytime but especially on hot summer days. It's made with simple ingredients and is very economical. It has an amazing, sweet flavor and is the perfect thirst quincher.
Strawberry Simple Syrup:
3 c. fresh, very ripe strawberries, washed, stems removed, sliced (should measure 3 c. after they're sliced)
2 c. water
1 c. sugar
Sweet Tea:
3 family sized tea bags, any brand (or 9 regular sized tea bags)
3 c. hot water
1 c. sugar
8 c. cold water, in an extra large pitcher
1 lemon, juiced (or bottled lemon juice)
1 lemon, cut into slices or wedges, for garnish
6-8 strawberries, washed, with stems on, with a cut on the bottom for garnish
lemon slices or wedges, for garnish
ice
Strawberry Simple Syrup:
In a medium saucepan, add 2 c. water, 1 c. sugar, and sliced strawberries; cook over medium-high heat; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; let simmer for 30 minutes, or until strawberries are soft and the liquid is a deep red color.
Strain the strawberries in a mesh strainer into a large pitcher. Press down on the strawberries gently, making sure not to press too hard. You don’t want any strawberry chunks in your sweet tea.
Sweet Tea:
While the simple syrup is cooling in the pitcher, add 3 c. hot water to a large bowl. Place 3 family sized tea bags into the hot water; let steep 5 minutes. Remove tea bags from the bowl; discard the tea bags.
Add 1 c. sugar to the bowl with the tea; stir well. Pour the sweet tea from the bowl into the pitcher.
Add 8 c. cold water to the pitcher; stir well. Add the lemon juice to the tea; stir well.
Cover the pitcher with plastic wrap. Refrigerate 2-3 hours, or until very cold.
Serve in a glass with lots of ice and garnished with a whole strawberry and lemon wedges.
10 servings.
Tips:
This makes quite a lot of tea, so you’ll need either a very large pitcher or two medium-sized ones.
Frozen strawberries can be used.
Store in a covered pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Since this is a hot brewed tea, it's recommended to drink within 8 hours of brewing.
To Freeze: Store in a covered container for up to 6 months in the freezer, making sure to leave room for expansion in the container when filling the container for freezing.