Name: Strawberry Citrus Iced Tea
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups water; 4 black tea bags (English Breakfast or Earl Grey recommended); 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)

A refreshing blend of bold black tea infused with sweet strawberries and bright citrus that creates the perfect summer beverage for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Strawberry Citrus Iced Tea is more than just a beverage—it’s a sensory experience. The vibrant colors of fresh strawberries and citrus slices create a visually stunning drink that tastes as good as it looks. The natural sweetness from the fruit balances perfectly with the robust tea flavor, making it refreshing without being overly sweet. It’s simple to prepare ahead of time for gatherings, customizable to your taste preferences, and makes staying hydrated during warm weather a delightful experience. Plus, it’s a healthier alternative to store-bought beverages, with no artificial ingredients or preservatives.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Water serves as the clean canvas for this refreshing beverage, allowing the tea and fruit flavors to shine through. Using filtered water can improve the overall taste if your tap water has a strong mineral content.
Black tea bags provide the robust foundation of this drink. English Breakfast offers a strong, malty flavor while Earl Grey adds subtle bergamot notes that complement the citrus beautifully. Feel free to experiment with different black tea varieties based on your preference.
Fresh strawberries infuse the tea with natural sweetness and a gorgeous pink hue. They add a delicate fruity aroma that makes this tea especially appealing. When strawberries aren’t in season, frozen (thawed) strawberries can work in a pinch.
Orange slices contribute bright, sunny notes and natural sweetness to the brew. The oils from the peel also add depth of flavor as the tea steeps, creating a more complex and aromatic drink.
Lemon slices balance the sweetness with their tart, zesty flavor, preventing the tea from becoming too sweet. The citric acid in lemons also helps preserve the bright color of the strawberries.
Honey or granulated sugar is optional but helps round out the flavors. Honey adds floral notes that complement the fruit, while sugar provides straightforward sweetness. Adjust according to your preference or substitute with maple syrup or agave nectar.
Ice cubes are essential for serving this refreshing drink properly chilled. Consider making ice cubes from the same tea to prevent dilution as they melt.
Fresh mint leaves are optional but highly recommended as they add a cooling, aromatic finish that elevates the entire drink experience. The subtle menthol notes complement both the berries and citrus beautifully.

Directions

Bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil in a medium saucepan. Remove from heat and add tea bags. Steep for 5–7 minutes depending on desired strength.
While tea steeps, wash and prepare fruit: hull and slice strawberries, and slice orange and lemon into thin, uniform rounds.
Remove tea bags and stir in honey or sugar while tea is still warm, ensuring sweetener dissolves fully. Let tea cool to room temperature.
Transfer cooled tea to a large pitcher. Add sliced strawberries, orange rounds, and lemon slices. Stir gently to combine and release fruit juices.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to infuse flavors. For stronger flavor, refrigerate 2–4 hours or overnight.
To serve, fill glasses with ice and pour the infused tea over. Garnish with fresh mint or strawberry slices if desired.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields approximately 6 servings of refreshing iced tea. The preparation time is minimal, requiring only about 10 minutes of active work. The actual brewing takes just 5 minutes, but you’ll want to allow at least 1 hour (preferably 2-4 hours) for chilling and flavor infusion. The total time from start to finish is about 1 hour and 15 minutes, including the minimum chilling time. At approximately 20 calories per serving (without added sweetener), this beverage is a guilt-free treat that’s perfect for hot summer days.

Variations

Berry Blast Iced Tea: Substitute or add blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a mixed berry approach.
Tropical Twist: Add fresh pineapple chunks and use lime instead of lemon for a tropical variation.
Peach Perfection: Swap strawberries for fresh peach slices during peach season for a southern-inspired refreshment.
Green Tea Version: Use green tea bags instead of black tea for a lighter flavor with added antioxidant benefits.
Herbal Infusion: Replace black tea with hibiscus or rooibos tea for a caffeine-free alternative that’s still full of flavor.
Sparkling Tea: Add a splash of sparkling water just before serving for a fizzy, celebratory version.
Spiced Version: Add a cinnamon stick or star anise during steeping for a warming spice note that pairs wonderfully with the fruit.

Storage/Reheating

This Strawberry Citrus Iced Tea can be stored in an airtight container or pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavor will continue to develop over time, becoming more intense the longer it sits. After about 24 hours, you may want to remove the fruit slices to prevent them from becoming overly soggy or imparting bitter notes from the citrus peels.
If you plan to make this tea in advance for an event, consider adding the fruit just a few hours before serving for the freshest presentation. Alternatively, you can prepare the tea base and add fresh fruit right before serving.
This beverage is designed to be enjoyed cold, so reheating is not recommended. However, if you find yourself with leftover tea that has lost its chill, simply add fresh ice cubes to cool it down again. You can also freeze leftover tea in ice cube trays and use these flavored cubes in future batches to prevent dilution.

FAQs

Can I use other types of tea for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute black tea with green tea, white tea, or even herbal teas like hibiscus or rooibos. Keep in mind that different teas have different steeping times and temperatures, so adjust accordingly.

How can I make this tea less sweet?

Simply reduce or omit the honey or sugar. The natural sweetness from the strawberries and citrus fruits often provides enough flavor without added sweeteners, especially if the fruits are ripe and in season.

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Thaw the frozen strawberries first and include any juice they release for maximum flavor. Frozen strawberries are often picked at peak ripeness and can be a great option when fresh strawberries aren’t in season.

Why did my tea turn cloudy after refrigeration?

This is normal and happens due to a process called “creaming down,” where compounds in the tea react to the cold temperature. It doesn’t affect the flavor and is actually a sign of good quality tea. The cloudiness will often clear if the tea warms up slightly.

How long should I let the tea steep?

For black tea, 5-7 minutes is ideal. Steeping longer may release bitter tannins. If you prefer a stronger tea flavor, use more tea bags rather than extending the steeping time.

Can I make this recipe in advance for a party?

Yes, this is an excellent make-ahead beverage. Prepare it up to 24 hours in advance and keep refrigerated. For the best presentation, you might want to add fresh fruit slices just before serving.

Is this recipe caffeine-free?

No, black tea contains caffeine. For a caffeine-free version, substitute with herbal tea like rooibos, chamomile, or fruit infusions.

Why should I wait for the tea to cool before adding fruit?

Adding fruit to hot tea can cause the fruit to break down too quickly, creating a mushy texture and potentially bitter flavor from the citrus peels. Cooling the tea first preserves the fresh, vibrant character of the fruit.

Can I reuse the fruit for a second batch?

The fruit will have released most of its flavor into the first batch. For the best flavor, use fresh fruit for each new batch of tea. However, the used fruit can be repurposed in smoothies or compotes to minimize waste.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Citrus Iced Tea is the embodiment of summer refreshment in a glass. The beautiful marriage of robust black tea with sweet strawberries and zesty citrus creates a beverage that’s as visually striking as it is delicious. What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility—adjust the sweetness, experiment with different tea varieties, or transform it into an adult beverage for special occasions.

Beyond being a delightful thirst-quencher, this tea offers a healthier alternative to store-bought drinks, with natural ingredients and no artificial additives. The simple preparation process belies the complex flavors that develop as the tea infuses, rewarding your minimal effort with maximum enjoyment.

Whether you’re hosting a garden party, looking for a refreshing accompaniment to a meal, or simply want to elevate your daily hydration routine, this Strawberry Citrus Iced Tea delivers on all fronts. Make a batch to keep in your refrigerator and enjoy a glass whenever you need a moment of refreshment—your taste buds will thank you.