Servings: Makes about 6 to 8 glasses
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooling and Infusing Time: 1 to 2 hours
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 cups of water
- 4 black tea bags (such as English Breakfast or Darjeeling)
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and thinly sliced
- 1 medium orange, washed and sliced into thin rounds
- 1 lemon, washed and sliced into thin rounds
- ΒΌ cup honey or granulated sugar (optional; adjust based on sweetness preference)
- Ice cubes (enough to fill each glass)
- Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Steep the Tea
Begin by bringing 4 cups of water to a full boil in a medium saucepan or kettle. Once the water reaches a boil, remove it from the heat source. Immediately add the 4 black tea bags and allow them to steep in the hot water for about 5 to 7 minutes.
- If you enjoy a stronger tea flavour, lean toward the full 7 minutes. For a milder profile, 5 minutes will suffice.
- Avoid squeezing the tea bags when removing them, as that can add bitterness.
Remove the tea bags and discard them. Let the tea cool slightly before adding other ingredients.
2. Prepare the Fresh Fruit
While the tea is steeping, thoroughly wash the fresh strawberries, lemon, and orange.
- Strawberries: Remove the green tops (hull them) and slice each berry into thin pieces.
- Orange and Lemon: Slice both into thin, round slices. If desired, remove any seeds to prevent bitterness and improve the appearance.
Set the prepared fruit aside.
3. Sweeten the Tea (Optional)
While the tea is still warm, stir in the honey or sugar. Stir until fully dissolved.
- You can adjust the sweetness based on your preference or the ripeness of the fruit.
- If using honey, make sure it blends well while the tea is still warm.
Let the sweetened tea cool to room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes.
4. Combine the Tea and Fruit
In a large glass pitcher or serving jug, pour in the cooled tea.
Add the sliced strawberries, orange rounds, and lemon slices directly into the tea. Gently stir to distribute the fruit evenly throughout the liquid.
This combination begins the infusion process and imparts vibrant colour and flavour to the tea.
5. Refrigerate to Infuse
Cover the pitcher with a lid or plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Allow it to chill for at least 1 hour.
- For a deeper fruit flavour, you can refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours or even overnight.
- The longer the tea sits, the more pronounced the fruity taste becomes.
6. Serve the Iced Tea
When ready to serve, fill glasses with plenty of ice cubes.
Pour the chilled strawberry citrus tea into each glass, ensuring some fruit slices go into each serving for visual appeal and taste.
7. Garnish and Finish
For a fresh and aromatic finish, place a sprig of mint in each glass just before serving.
- This step is optional but adds a refreshing touch and makes the presentation even more inviting.
Tips and Variations
- Tea Base Alternatives: You can substitute green tea or white tea bags if you prefer a lighter or less caffeinated drink.
- Fruit Options: Feel free to add raspberries, lime slices, or even a splash of pineapple juice for variation.
- Unsweetened Version: Omit the honey or sugar if you are reducing sugar intake. The natural fruit flavours will still offer mild sweetness.
- Serving Pitcher: A clear glass pitcher shows off the layered fruit beautifully, especially for gatherings or parties.
- Batch Size: This recipe can be doubled or tripled easily to serve larger groups.
Storage
Store any leftover iced tea in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Remove citrus slices after 24 hours to prevent bitterness from the peels.
This Strawberry Citrus Iced Tea is more than just a drink. It is a refreshing way to enjoy natural flavours while carrying on traditions that bring family and community together.