Strawberry Black Tea Recipe

Boil water

Bring 4 cups of fresh water to a rolling boil in a saucepan or kettle.

Brew tea

Place 3 black tea bags (or 3 teaspoons loose-leaf) into a heatproof pitcher. Pour the boiling water over the tea, cover, and steep for 4–5 minutes for a robust flavor (3–4 minutes for milder).

Sweeten and cool

While the tea is hot, stir in 3 tablespoons granulated sugar until fully dissolved. Remove the tea bags (or strain leaves). Let the sweetened tea cool to room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator while you prepare the strawberry syrup (about 20–30 minutes).

Combine ingredients

In a small saucepan combine 2 cups hulled and quartered fresh strawberries, 1 cup water, and 3 tablespoons granulated sugar.

Simmer

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce to low and simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until strawberries are very soft and sugar is dissolved.

Mash and strain

Use a fork or potato masher to lightly crush the strawberries to release juices. For a smooth syrup, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl, pressing solids to extract liquid. Discard solids (or reserve for another use). Stir in 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice to brighten flavor. Let syrup cool to room temperature, then chill.

Assemble drink

In a large pitcher combine the chilled sweetened black tea and the chilled strawberry syrup. Start with a ratio of 4 cups tea to 1 cup strawberry syrup; taste and adjust to preference (add more syrup for sweeter/intensely strawberry flavor or more tea for milder).

Serve over ice

Fill glasses with ice (about 1/2 to 1 cup per glass). Pour the strawberry black tea over ice. Garnish each glass with sliced fresh strawberry, a lemon slice, and a sprig of mint if using.

Storage

Leftover tea and syrup can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving; add ice when ready to serve.