Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Refreshing and hydrating with a natural fruit flavor
- Combines the benefits of tea with the sweetness of strawberries
- Easy to prepare ahead of time for gatherings or meal prep
- Caffeine optional depending on tea choice
- Customizable with different teas and sweeteners
- Looks beautiful and colorful when served
- Light and not overly sweet
- Naturally vegan and gluten-free
- Great alternative to store-bought sugary drinks
- Can be made hot and then chilled or cold-brewed
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- Fresh mint leaves
- Black tea bags or green tea (your choice)
- Water
- Honey, sugar, or agave syrup (optional)
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slices (optional for garnish)
Directions
- Bring water to a boil and steep the tea bags for 5–10 minutes depending on strength preference.
- Remove the tea bags and let the tea cool slightly.
- In a pitcher, muddle the strawberries and mint leaves together to release flavor.
- Pour the warm tea over the strawberry-mint mixture.
- Add sweetener to taste while the tea is still warm.
- Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 1–2 hours.
- Strain if desired for a smoother drink.
- Serve over ice with additional mint, strawberries, or lemon slices as garnish.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 4 servings and takes approximately 15 minutes to prepare, plus 1–2 hours of chilling time.
Variations
- Green Tea Version: Use green tea for a lighter, more floral flavor.
- Caffeine-Free: Use herbal tea or decaffeinated black tea for a caffeine-free version.
- Sparkling Twist: Add sparkling water before serving for a fizzy version.
- Berry Mix: Add blueberries or raspberries for more berry flavor.
- Lemon Mint Iced Tea: Add lemon juice for a citrusy variation.
- No Sweetener: Skip added sugar if your strawberries are naturally sweet.
- Cold Brew: Brew the tea overnight in cold water for a smoother taste.
- Frozen Strawberry Cubes: Freeze strawberry slices in ice cube trays and use them for serving.
- Ginger Boost: Add a few slices of fresh ginger for a warm spicy note.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store in a sealed pitcher or container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving.
- Reheating: Not recommended. This drink is best served cold.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, thawed frozen strawberries work well and can make the tea colder when added.
What type of tea is best?
Black tea is classic, but green tea or herbal tea like hibiscus or mint can also be used.
Do I have to strain the tea?
No, but straining removes the strawberry seeds and mint bits for a smoother drink.
How long should I steep the tea?
Steep black tea for 5–10 minutes, and green tea for 3–5 minutes to avoid bitterness.
Can I make this sugar-free?
Yes, use ripe strawberries and skip sweeteners, or use a sugar-free option like stevia.
How far in advance can I make this?
It can be made up to 2 days in advance and kept in the refrigerator.
Is this drink caffeinated?
If using black or green tea, yes. Use herbal tea for a caffeine-free version.
Can I use mint extract instead of fresh mint?
Fresh mint is recommended, but a very small amount of mint extract can be used in a pinch.
Is this good for kids?
Yes, especially if made with caffeine-free tea and without added sweeteners.
Can I make it into a cocktail?
Yes, you can add a splash of rum or vodka for an adult version (for those of legal age only).
Conclusion
Strawberry Mint Iced Tea is a flavorful and refreshing drink that’s perfect for sunny days, family dinners, or outdoor gatherings. With its blend of fruit, mint, and tea, it delivers both taste and hydration in every glass. Easy to make and endlessly adaptable, this iced tea is sure to become a favorite go-to beverage for all occasions.
PrintStrawberry Mint Iced Tea
Strawberry Mint Iced Tea is a refreshing beverage that combines sweet strawberries, cooling mint, and your choice of tea for a perfect balance of fruity and herbal flavors. It’s great for hot days, gatherings, or anytime you want a light, flavorful drink.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes + 1–2 hours chilling
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Beverages
- Method: Steeped & Blended
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
- 4 cups water
- 2–3 black or green tea bags (or herbal if caffeine-free)
- 2–3 tablespoons honey, sugar, or agave syrup (optional, to taste)
- Ice cubes, for serving
- Lemon slices, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Bring 4 cups of water to a boil and steep tea bags for 5–10 minutes depending on strength and tea type.
- Remove tea bags and allow the tea to cool slightly.
- In a large pitcher, muddle the sliced strawberries and mint leaves to release their flavors.
- Pour the warm tea over the muddled mixture.
- Add sweetener to taste while the tea is still warm, and stir until dissolved.
- Refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours until well chilled.
- Strain the tea if a smoother drink is preferred.
- Serve over ice and garnish with lemon slices, strawberry pieces, or fresh mint.
Notes
- Use green tea for a lighter, floral flavor or herbal tea for a caffeine-free version.
- Frozen strawberries can be used; thaw first for better blending.
- Cold-brew the tea overnight for a smoother, less bitter taste.
- Strain the tea if you prefer a cleaner texture without fruit and mint bits.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 35
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg