Iced Strawberry Jasmine Tea: Refreshing Recipe for a Perfect Summer Drink

Iced Strawberry Jasmine Tea is a delightful beverage that perfectly balances the floral notes of jasmine with the sweet, refreshing taste of strawberries. As the warm weather approaches, this drink becomes a staple in my home, offering a refreshing escape from the heat. The combination of these two ingredients not only creates a visually stunning drink but also provides a unique flavor profile that is both soothing and invigorating.

Historically, jasmine tea has been cherished in various cultures for its aromatic qualities and health benefits, while strawberries have long been celebrated for their sweetness and vibrant color. Together, they create a drink that is not only delicious but also steeped in tradition. People love iced strawberry jasmine tea for its perfect blend of taste and texture; the smoothness of the tea combined with the juicy burst of strawberries makes each sip a delightful experience. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it a go-to choice for gatherings or a simple afternoon treat. Join me as we explore this refreshing recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your home as well!

Ingredients:

• 4 cups water
• 2 tablespoons dried jasmine tea leaves
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1/4 cup honey (or to taste)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• Ice cubes
• Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Tea

1. **Boil the Water**: Start by bringing 4 cups of water to a rolling boil in a medium-sized pot. I love using filtered water for the best flavor, but tap water works just fine if that’s what you have on hand. 2. **Add the Jasmine Tea**: Once the water is boiling, remove it from the heat and add 2 tablespoons of dried jasmine tea leaves. The aroma is simply divine! Let the tea steep for about 5-7 minutes. If you prefer a stronger flavor, you can steep it for up to 10 minutes, but be careful not to overdo it, as it can become bitter. 3. **Strain the Tea**: After steeping, strain the tea into a heatproof pitcher to remove the tea leaves. I usually use a fine mesh strainer for this step. Set the pitcher aside to cool to room temperature.

Preparing the Strawberry Mixture

4. **Prepare the Strawberries**: While the tea is cooling, take 1 cup of fresh strawberries, hull them, and slice them into thin pieces. I like to use ripe strawberries for the best flavor, and if you can find local ones, even better! 5. **Sweeten the Strawberries**: In a small bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with 1/4 cup of honey. Gently toss the strawberries to coat them in the honey. This will help to release their juices and create a delicious syrup. Let this mixture sit for about 10-15 minutes. You’ll notice the strawberries will start to soften and release their juices, which is exactly what we want.

Combining the Ingredients

6. **Mix the Tea and Strawberries**: Once the jasmine tea has cooled to room temperature, add the strawberry mixture (including all the juices) to the pitcher of tea. This is where the magic happens! The sweet strawberry flavor will infuse into the tea, creating a refreshing drink. 7. **Add Lemon Juice**: Squeeze in 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice. This adds a nice tartness that balances the sweetness of the strawberries and honey. Stir everything together gently to combine. 8. **Chill the Tea**: Cover the pitcher and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1-2 hours. If you’re in a hurry, you can also pour the tea over ice to cool it down quickly, but chilling it allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Serving the Iced Strawberry Jasmine Tea

9. **Prepare Your Glasses**: When you’re ready to serve, grab your favorite glasses and fill them with ice cubes. I like to use large ice cubes to prevent the tea from diluting too quickly. 10. **Pour the Tea**: Pour the chilled iced strawberry jasmine tea over the ice-filled glasses. Make sure to include some of the strawberry slices in each glass for a beautiful presentation. 11. **Garnish**: If you want to elevate the look of your drink, add a few fresh mint leaves on top. Not only does it look pretty, but it also adds a refreshing aroma as you sip. 12. **Taste and Adjust**: Before serving, give the tea a quick taste. If you prefer it sweeter, feel free to add a little more honey or adjust the lemon juice to your liking.

Enjoying Your Iced Strawberry Jasmine Tea

13. **Serve Immediately**: Serve the iced strawberry jasmine tea right away for the best experience. It’s perfect for a hot summer day or as a refreshing drink for any occasion. 14. **Store Leftovers**: If you have any leftovers, store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just remember to give it a good stir before serving again, as the strawberries may settle at the bottom. 15. **Experiment with Variations**: Feel free to experiment with this recipe! You can add other fruits like raspberries or blueberries, or even try different types of tea, such as green tea or hibiscus, for a unique twist. This iced strawberry jasmine tea is not only delicious but also visually stunning, making it a perfect drink for gatherings or a relaxing afternoon at home. Enjoy every sip!

Conclusion:

In summary, this Iced Strawberry Jasmine Tea recipe is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their beverage game. The delightful combination of sweet strawberries and fragrant jasmine creates a refreshing drink that’s perfect for warm days or any time you need a little pick-me-up. Not only is it incredibly easy to make, but it also offers a beautiful presentation that will impress your friends and family. For serving suggestions, consider garnishing your iced tea with fresh mint leaves or a slice of lemon for an extra burst of flavor. You can also experiment with variations by adding other fruits like peaches or raspberries, or even a splash of sparkling water for a fizzy twist. The possibilities are endless, and I encourage you to get creative! I truly believe that once you try this Iced Strawberry Jasmine Tea, it will become a staple in your home. So, grab your ingredients, whip up a batch, and don’t forget to share your experience with me! I’d love to hear how you made it your own and any unique twists you added. Cheers to refreshing sips and delightful moments!

Print