Homemade Strawberry Iced Tea: A Refreshing Classic
Inspired by my grandmother’s tradition of gifting homemade strawberry iced tea in mason jars, I’ve continued this cherished practice. Here’s a refined version of her recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- 1 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 4 black tea bags (preferably Orange Pekoe or another robust variety)
- 1 gallon water, divided
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
- Lemon slices for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- In a small saucepan, combine ½ cup of water with the sugar. Heat over medium, stirring occasionally, until the sugar completely dissolves and the mixture simmers.
- Add the strawberries to the syrup. Return to a simmer, then lower the heat and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the strawberries are tender and have imparted their color to the syrup.
- In a separate large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil. Remove from heat, add the tea bags, and steep for 5-7 minutes, depending on your preferred tea strength. Remove and discard the tea bags.
- Using a fine mesh strainer, strain the strawberry syrup into the brewed tea, pressing the solids to extract all the liquid.
- Stir in the remaining cold water and refrigerate the mixture until thoroughly chilled.
- Serve the iced tea over ice, garnished with fresh mint leaves and lemon slices if desired.
Variations & Tips:
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of sugar according to your taste.
- For added flavor, experiment with other fruits or herbs in the syrup.