Cool down with a vibrant and refreshing glass of homemade strawberry iced tea, elevated by the authentic taste of Tea Library’s Strawberry Flavored Ceylon Tea, which features real slices of dried strawberry right in the blend. This guide will walk you through creating a uniquely delicious beverage that’s perfect for sunny afternoons, garden parties, or any time you need a sweet, revitalizing escape. We’ll even tell you the secret to the perfect strength and flavor, down to the last gram.
There’s something inherently joyful about a glass of iced tea. But when infused with the sweet, summery essence of real strawberries, it transforms into a truly special treat. While many recipes rely on syrups or artificial flavors, this guide focuses on enhancing the natural character of a premium tea blended with real fruit pieces.
Tea Library’s Strawberry Flavored Tea isn’t your average flavored tea. It starts with a base of high-quality Ceylon Black Tea (FBOP grade), which provides a bold, full-bodied flavor. What makes it exceptional is the addition of natural, dried strawberry slices directly into the loose-leaf blend and even within the pyramid bags. This ensures a genuine strawberry taste is brewed into every drop.
The Secret to a Perfect Glass: How Much Tea to Use
For a truly flavorful and well-balanced glass of iced tea, the tea-to-water ratio is crucial. To achieve a taste that is neither too weak nor overpowering, we recommend using:
- Loose-Leaf Tea: 4-5 grams per glass (approximately 350-400ml). This slightly higher amount ensures the robust black tea and authentic strawberry flavor shine through after being diluted with ice.
- Pyramid Bags: 1 pyramid bag per glass. Tea Library’s pyramid bags are conveniently portioned with the perfect balance of tea and fruit slices for a single serving.
A Recipe for a Uniquely Refreshing Strawberry Iced Tea
To make our strawberry iced tea truly stand out, we’ll use fresh ingredients to complement and amplify the real strawberry pieces already in the tea. We’re adding a touch of fresh basil, whose subtle peppery notes beautifully enhance the sweetness of the strawberries and the richness of the Ceylon tea.
Yields: 1 glass
Prep time: 5 minutes
Brewing time: 5-7 minutes
Ingredients 🍓:
- 4-5 grams of Tea Library’s Strawberry Flavored Loose-Leaf Tea (or 1 pyramid bag)
- 250ml (about 1 cup) of freshly boiled water
- 4-5 fresh, ripe strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2-3 fresh basil leaves
- 1 teaspoon of honey or agave syrup (optional, adjust to taste)
- Ice cubes
- A slice of lemon and a sprig of basil for garnish
Instructions 💕:
Step 1: Brew the Tea Concentrate
Place the Tea Library’s Strawberry Flavored loose-leaf tea or pyramid bag into a heatproof container. Pour the freshly boiled water over the tea. Let it steep for 5-7 minutes. This will create a strong tea concentrate, rehydrating the strawberry slices and releasing their authentic flavor into the brew. Once steeped, strain the loose leaves or remove the pyramid bag.
Step 2: Muddle the Freshness
In a sturdy glass, combine the sliced fresh strawberries and the fresh basil leaves. If using, add the honey or agave syrup. Gently muddle them with a muddler or the back of a spoon. This releases their juices and oils, creating a fresh base that will perfectly complement the brewed strawberry notes.
Step 3: Combine and Chill
Fill the glass to the top with ice cubes. Pour the slightly cooled tea concentrate over the muddled strawberries, basil, and ice.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Give the iced tea a gentle stir. Garnish with a fresh slice of lemon and a fragrant sprig of basil. Serve immediately and enjoy the multi-layered strawberry experience.
This unique take on a classic, which combines the brewed essence of dried strawberries with the vibrancy of fresh ones, is sure to be a favorite. The use of real fruit in Tea Library’s blend makes all the difference, creating a beverage that is both authentically delicious and incredibly refreshing.
