Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make this refreshing Strawberry Citrus Iced Tea:
- 4 cups water
- 4 black tea bags (English breakfast or Earl Grey work well)
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 medium orange, sliced into thin rounds
- 1 medium lemon, sliced into thin rounds
- ¼ cup honey or granulated sugar (optional, adjust to taste)
- Ice cubes, for serving
- Fresh mint leaves, for garnish (optional)
Preparation
Step 1: Steep the Tea
Start by boiling 4 cups of water in a medium saucepan. Once it reaches a rolling boil, remove the pan from the heat and add the black tea bags. Allow them to steep for 5 to 7 minutes—shorter if you prefer a lighter flavor, longer for a bolder, more robust brew.
Step 2: Prep the Fruit
While the tea is steeping, prepare your fruit. Wash the strawberries, lemon, and orange thoroughly. Hull the strawberries (removing the green tops) and slice them thinly. Then, slice the orange and lemon into thin rounds or half-moons. Try to keep the slices uniform for even flavor distribution.
Step 3: Sweeten the Tea (Optional)
If you’d like your iced tea to be sweetened, remove the tea bags and stir in honey or sugar while the tea is still warm. This helps the sweetener dissolve more effectively. Stir until fully dissolved, then allow the sweetened tea to cool to room temperature.
Step 4: Combine the Tea and Fruit
Once the tea is cool, transfer it to a large pitcher. Add the sliced strawberries, orange rounds, and lemon slices. Stir gently to combine and help release the juices from the fruit.
Step 5: Infuse in the Fridge
Cover the pitcher and place it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the fruit flavors to infuse the tea. For a more intense fruity taste, refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours, or even overnight.
Step 6: Serve
When ready to serve, fill tall glasses with ice cubes. Pour the infused tea over the ice. For an extra touch of freshness and visual appeal, garnish each glass with a sprig of mint or a strawberry slice.
Variation
- Green Tea Version: Replace black tea with green tea bags for a lighter, more delicate flavor.
- Hibiscus Twist: Use hibiscus tea for a deep red hue and tangy taste. This makes the tea caffeine-free as well.
- Berry Medley: Add blueberries, raspberries, or sliced peaches for a more complex fruit profile.
- Sparkling Iced Tea: Mix the infused tea with sparkling water just before serving for a bubbly twist.
- Alcoholic Option: Add a splash of vodka or white rum to each glass for an adult version of this fruity refreshment.
