Strawberry Sweet Tea

Ingredients

• 8 cups water
• 8 black   tea bags
• 1½ cups granulated  sugar
• 1 tsp  baking soda
• 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• Ice, for serving

Instructions

1. Bring 4 cups of the water to a boil.
2. Remove from heat and add the tea bags. Steep for 10–15 minutes.
3. Remove tea bags and stir in the sugar and baking soda until dissolved.
4. Blend the strawberries until smooth. Strain if you want a smoother tea.
5. In a large pitcher, combine the strawberry puree and brewed tea.
6. Add the remaining 4 cups cold water and stir well.
7. Chill for at least 1 hour.
8. Serve over ice with fresh strawberry slices or lemon wedges.

Optional Add-Ins

• Fresh mint
• Lemon juice
• Sparkling water for a fizzy version
• Bourbon for an adult twist

The baking soda helps cut bitterness from the black tea and gives it that smoother Southern-style flavor