If you’re searching for a fresh, vibrant drink that screams summertime refreshment, the Strawberry citrus iced tea recipe is sure to earn a permanent spot in your kitchen rotation. This blend of black tea, juicy strawberries, and tangy citrus is just the right balance of sweet, tart, and invigorating. Whether you’re lounging on the porch or entertaining friends, every glass will transport you to instant sunshine, thanks to a pop of fruit and garden-fresh mint. Once you try it, you’ll want a pitcher chilling in your fridge all season long.

Strawberry citrus iced tea recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about how remarkably simple but utterly essential these ingredients are. Each one packs flavor and purpose, creating not only a gorgeous drink but one that delights with every sip. Here’s how every item adds its own magic to the Strawberry citrus iced tea recipe:

Water: The foundation for brewing robust, refreshing tea. Use filtered water for the cleanest taste.
Black Tea Bags: The classic choice, giving bold flavor and a beautiful amber color to the tea.
Fresh Strawberries: Sliced for maximum juiciness, they infuse sweet berry flavor and a stunning hue.
Orange: Adds bright, sunny notes and a touch of citrusy sweetness.
Lemon: Brings a punch of tartness while balancing the other fruity flavors.
Honey or Sugar (optional): Sweeten to your taste! Both blend in easily while the tea is warm.
Ice Cubes: Make each glass perfectly cold and hydrating, especially on hot days.
Fresh Mint Leaves: The ultimate garnish, lending a burst of freshness and a pretty pop of green.

How to Make Strawberry citrus iced tea recipe

Step 1: Boil and Brew the Tea

Start by bringing 4 cups of water to a gentle boil in a medium saucepan. Once it’s bubbling, remove from heat and drop in your black tea bags. Cover and allow them to steep for 5–7 minutes, depending on whether you like your tea bold or mellow. This step forms the robust foundation of the Strawberry citrus iced tea recipe.

Step 2: Prep the Fruit

While the tea is steeping, wash the strawberries, orange, and lemon. Hull and slice the strawberries, then slice the orange and lemon into rounds. Prepping the fruit ahead ensures their flavors and gorgeous colors are ready to shine.

Step 3: Sweeten and Cool

After steeping, fish out the tea bags. Stir in honey or sugar if desired, making sure it fully dissolves while the tea is still warm. Allow the tea to cool to room temperature before moving on, as this helps the fruit stay fresh and vibrant.

Step 4: Combine and Chill

Pour the cooled tea into a large pitcher and add all those beautiful sliced strawberries, orange, and lemon. Give it a gentle stir and pop the pitcher in the fridge. Let everything mingle for at least one hour so the flavors meld into the ultimate Strawberry citrus iced tea recipe experience.

Step 5: Serve Over Ice and Garnish

When you’re ready to serve, fill glasses with ice cubes. Pour the fruity iced tea over the ice and top with fresh mint leaves. The result is dazzling and totally irresistible.

How to Serve Strawberry citrus iced tea recipe

Garnishes

Make every glass as lovely as it tastes! Mint leaves add fragrance and a touch of sophistication. Add a few extra fresh strawberry slices or citrus rounds right before serving for a vibrant presentation that signals this is no ordinary iced tea.

Side Dishes

The Strawberry citrus iced tea recipe pairs beautifully with light picnic fare: think tea sandwiches, fresh fruit, or a crisp summer salad. It’s also fabulous alongside brunch favorites like quiche or scones, as its bright flavors refresh the palate between bites.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, set out a pitcher with mason jars, a bowl of extra fruit slices, and a jar of mint so friends can garnish their own glasses. For extra flair, freeze some sliced fruit in the ice cubes ahead of time—the effect is both practical and gorgeous!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Strawberry citrus iced tea recipe, simply keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will continue to develop, so don’t be surprised if it tastes even more luscious the next day.

Freezing

Want to extend the life of your tea? Pour any leftovers into ice cube trays and freeze. These fruity cubes are perfect for cooling down future batches without watering them down, or for adding a burst of flavor to sparkling water.

Reheating

If you prefer your tea warm, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Be aware that the fresh fruit will soften significantly and the mint’s flavor may diminish, so it’s best to add new garnishes after warming.

FAQs

Can I use green tea instead of black tea for this recipe?

Absolutely! Green tea offers a lighter, earthier flavor that pairs nicely with the fruit. Just reduce the steeping time slightly to prevent bitterness.

Do I need to sweeten the Strawberry citrus iced tea recipe?

Nope, it’s totally personal preference! The fresh fruit adds natural sweetness, so feel free to skip honey or sugar if you prefer a less sweet drink.

What’s the best way to hull strawberries quickly?

You can hull strawberries easily by inserting a straw through the bottom and pushing out the stem, or just slice it off with a small knife. Prepped berries look and taste better in this iced tea.

Can I make this ahead for a party?

Yes! Prepare the Strawberry citrus iced tea recipe the night before and keep it chilled, adding the mint and extra fruit slices just before serving for the freshest appearance.

Is there a caffeine-free version of this tea?

Yes—use herbal tea (like hibiscus or rooibos) instead of black tea for a caffeine-free, kid-friendly version that’s equally vibrant and delicious.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to impress guests or treat yourself, you can’t go wrong with this Strawberry citrus iced tea recipe. It’s sunshine in a glass, easy to make, and adaptable for every occasion. Let this be your go-to drink for any day that needs a little extra sparkle!

Strawberry citrus iced tea recipe

★★★★★

5 from 28 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This refreshing Strawberry Citrus Iced Tea is the perfect summer beverage with a burst of fruity flavors. It’s easy to make and ideal for entertaining or simply cooling off on a hot day.

Ingredients

Scale

For the tea:

4 cups water
4 black tea bags
1/4 cup honey or sugar (optional, to taste)

For the fruity infusion:

1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1 orange, sliced
1 lemon, sliced

For serving:

Ice cubes
Fresh mint leaves for garnish

Instructions

Boil the water: Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan.
Steep the tea: Remove from heat and add the tea bags. Let steep for 5-7 minutes.
Prepare the fruits: Wash and slice the strawberries, orange, and lemon.
Sweeten the tea: Remove the tea bags and stir in honey or sugar. Allow to cool.
Combine ingredients: In a pitcher, mix the cooled tea with the sliced fruits.
Chill: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to blend flavors.
Serve: Pour over ice and garnish with mint leaves.