One of the loveliest parts of summer is making homemade strawberry tea recipes that are fresh, fruity, and full of flavor. These blends were born on a quiet, rainy afternoon in our cottage kitchen, with the soft hum of the kettle and the scent of steeping Earl Grey, Green Tea, and sun-dried strawberry pieces filling the room.
This magical blend of loose leaf tea blends, herbal teas, and sweet strawberry pieces was developed as part of our Strawberry Girl Summer series, and I carefully tested and adjusted them both to bring out the best flavour of tea in every cup.
The gentle, earthy flavor of green tea or the boldness of fine black tea offers a perfect balance when paired with fruit-forward notes.
It makes an excellent iced tea for warm days or a hot tea for slow, cozy mornings. With its soft color and rich aroma, this fruit tea also makes a thoughtful small gift for a special occasion or tea-loving friend.
Why You’ll Love These Recipes
- Simple ingredients, big flavor — This tea uses pantry-friendly ingredients like loose leaf tea and dried strawberry pieces, yet it tastes like something you’d find in a cottage garden café. It’s light, fruity, and full of charm.
- Perfect for any mood — Make it warm for a slow morning or pour it over ice for a bright afternoon. Each cup feels like a small ritual that invites you to pause and savor the moment.
- Beautiful and giftable — The soft blush color and handcrafted feel make this tea ideal for thoughtful gifting. Tuck some into jars for birthdays, showers, or a cottagecore-inspired tea basket.
- A Strawberry Girl Summer favorite — This is the fifth recipe in our seasonal series, and it’s one of my favorite recipes. It captures the sweetness of summer and the beauty of slowing down.
Ingredients for Homemade Strawberry Tea
Strawberry Garden Glow (Green Tea Version)
- Dried strawberry pieces — Adds fruity sweetness and color that deepens the longer it steeps. You can double this ingredient if you want a stronger flavor.
- Loose leaf green tea — Brings a fresh, grassy base that pairs beautifully with fruit and floral notes.
- Hibiscus — Enhances the color and adds a light tartness to balance the sweetness.
Strawberry Cottage Bloom (Black Tea Version)
- Dried strawberry pieces — Gives the tea a natural berry flavor and a soft blush hue. You can double this ingredient if you want a stronger flavor.
- Loose leaf Earl Grey — Offers a bold, citrusy warmth that grounds the fruity notes.
- Chamomile — Softens the flavor with a calming touch, perfect for gentle afternoon brewing.
A full ingredient list with exact amounts will be found in both of the recipe cards below.
Creative Twists & Variations
- Add a citrus twist — Try a few strips of fresh orange or lemon peel during steeping for a brighter, more refreshing flavor that pairs beautifully with green tea.
- Mix with fresh herbs — A sprig of mint or lemon balm tucked into the glass adds a garden-fresh touch and a hint of coolness, especially in the iced version.
- Swap in fresh berries — Use a spoonful of mashed fresh strawberries in place of dried for a more vibrant, jammy flavor—just strain well before serving.
- Bottle it for gifts — Package the dry blend in small glass jars and tie with ribbon for a thoughtful gift perfect for baby showers, birthdays, or picnic party favors.
Tools You May Need to Make Your Homemade Strawberry Tea
- Tea kettle — Used to heat your water to just the right temperature for steeping both green and black teas gently.
- Fine mesh strainer or tea infuser — Helps strain loose leaf tea and dried ingredients cleanly, so every cup is smooth and sip-ready.
- Glass pitcher or large mason jar — Perfect for brewing and storing your iced tea blends in the fridge for easy pouring all week.
How to Make Homemade Strawberry Tea Two Ways
Step 1: Mix Ingredients
Mix your dry ingredients together in a bowl. If you’re using dried strawberries, finely chop them into smaller pieces so the flavor distributes evenly. Combine loose leaf tea, dried strawberries, and any added herbs like chamomile or hibiscus.
Step 2: Store the Blend
Transfer the mixture to a glass jar with a lid. If using dehydrated strawberries, store the jar in the refrigerator. If using freeze-dried strawberries, keep it at room temperature in a cool, dry place.
Step 3: Heat the Water
Use 175–185°F water for green tea and 200°F water for black tea.
Step 4: Add and Pour
Place the tea blend into a teapot, infuser, or heat-safe jar. Pour the hot water over the mixture using about 4 cups for a small batch or more for a larger brew.
Step 5: Steep the Tea
Let the blend steep for 8 to 10 minutes so the strawberry flavor fully develops.
Step 6: Boost the Flavor (Optional)
Add a few drops of natural strawberry flavoring or stir in a spoonful of mashed fresh strawberries for a stronger fruity note.
Step 7: Strain the Tea
Use a mesh strainer or tea filter to remove all solids. Discard or compost the used tea leaves and herbs.
Step 8: Sweeten to Taste
Add honey, maple syrup, or your favorite sweetener if desired. Stir gently to combine.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Serve warm in a mug or over ice in a glass for a refreshing cold tea.
Step 10: Store Leftovers
Keep any leftover tea in a sealed glass container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips
- Finely chop dried strawberries before blending to help them steep evenly and release more flavor into the tea.
- Use a kitchen thermometer if you’re unsure about water temperature—green tea, especially, can turn bitter if the water is too hot.
- Let the tea steep a full 8 to 10 minutes for the flavor to fully develop, very important when using dried fruit and herbs.
- If using dehydrated strawberries, always store the dry blend in the fridge to keep it fresh and safe for longer storage.
- For iced tea, brew the blend slightly stronger than usual so the flavor holds up when poured over ice.
Storage Tips for Homemade Strawberry Tea
- Store any leftover tea in a sealed glass jar or pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s perfect for pouring over ice when you need a refreshing afternoon sip.
- If you’re keeping a dry homemade tea blend, store it in an airtight jar away from heat and moisture. If you used dried (not freeze-dried) strawberries, be sure to keep the blend refrigerated.
- To reheat, warm the tea gently in a small pot over low heat until just steaming. Avoid boiling it again so the fruit and tea flavor stays balanced.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of dried?
Yes, fresh strawberries can be used for a more vibrant and juicy flavor, especially in iced tea. Just slice or mash them before steeping, and make sure to strain well to avoid pulp in your cup.
How long should I steep strawberry tea for best flavor?
Strawberry tea blends taste best when steeped for 8 to 10 minutes. This gives the fruit and herbs time to fully infuse into the water for a balanced, flavorful tea.
Can I make this strawberry tea recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make a large batch of this tea and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s perfect for prepping ahead for summer tea parties or slow weekend mornings.
What kind of tea is best for making fruit infused tea?
Both black tea and green tea work well in fruit blends. Green tea adds a light, grassy base while black tea gives a bold, rich finish that pairs beautifully with strawberries.
Cozy Pairings from the Cottage;
- Strawberry Shortcake with Freshly Milled Flour: This tender, biscuit-style shortcake is a summer cottage favorite, especially when layered with juicy strawberries and fresh whipped cream. It pairs perfectly with a glass of iced strawberry tea for an afternoon treat on the porch.
- Whipped Strawberry Cream Cheese Spread: Soft, sweet, and lightly fruity, this spread is perfect on bagels, toast, or even spooned into a tea sandwich. It brings out the berry notes in the tea and makes any morning feel like a picnic.
- Strawberry and Mint Simmer Pot: Let your home smell like summer with this garden-inspired simmer pot featuring strawberry, mint, and citrus. It’s a lovely background companion while brewing a fresh pot of tea.
- Beginner’s Guide to Milling Fresh Flour at Home: If you’re pairing your tea with fresh-baked treats, this beginner-friendly guide will help you take that next cozy step in your kitchen.
Strawberry Garden Glow; Green tea Version
Equipment
- 1 Tea kettle For heating water to the correct temperature
- 1 Fine mesh strainer or infuser To steep and strain loose leaf tea and dried ingredients
- 1 Glass pitcher or mason jar For brewing and storing the tea
- 1 Mixing Bowl To mix the dry ingredients together
Ingredients
- 1½ cups dried hibiscus petals 28g
- 1 cup dried rose hips 56g
- ¾ cup finely chopped dried strawberries 48g
- 1 cup loose leaf green tea 28g
- 8 cups boiled water 64 oz
- 8 cups cold water or ice 64 oz, for dilution
Instructions
Instructions (For Gallon Batch):
- In a large heatproof container or pitcher, combine all dry ingredients.
- Pour 8 cups of freshly boiled water over the mixture.
- Let steep for 10 minutes, covered.
- Strain out the tea and herbal solids using a fine mesh strainer.
- Add 8 cups(64 ounces of cold water or ice to cool and dilute.
- Serve over ice or refrigerate until chilled.
For a single 4-cup teapot batch, use ¼ of the dry mixture (about 2 tablespoons total). Use 4 Cups (32 ounces) Boiled Water.
Notes
- Use all dry ingredients listed in the recipe.
- Pour 8 cups (64 oz) of freshly boiled water over the tea blend and steep for 10 minutes.
- Strain well, then add 8 cups (64 oz) of cold water or ice to cool and dilute the tea.
- Taste and sweeten with honey or maple syrup if desired. Start with 1–2 tablespoons and adjust to taste.
- Use ¼ cup (4 tablespoons) of the dry blend per 4 cups (32 oz) of boiled water.
- Steep for 10 minutes, then strain and enjoy warm or over ice.
- Add sweetener if you’d like, starting with 1 teaspoon per cup of water and adjusting to your preference.
- For a stronger fruit flavor, stir in a spoonful of mashed fresh strawberries or a drop of natural strawberry flavoring before steeping.
- A squeeze of lemon or a sprig of mint can also brighten the finished tea.
- Keep leftover tea in a sealed jar or pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
Strawberry Cottage Bloom (Black Tea Version)
This deeper, bolder take on strawberry tea is made with Earl Grey or black tea, blending fruity notes with the comforting richness of a classic brew. Perfect for slow mornings, afternoon resets, or pairing with a garden-inspired treat.
Strawberry Cottage Bloom; Black Tea Version
Equipment
- 1 Tea kettle For boiling water
- 1 Fine mesh strainer or infuser To steep and strain the tea and herbs
- 1 Glass pitcher or mason jar For brewing and storing the tea blend
- 1 Measuring bowl To mix the dry ingredients evenly
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried chamomile flowers 21g
- ¾ cup finely chopped dried strawberries 48g
- ¾ cup dried rose hips 56g
- 1 cup loose leaf Earl Grey tea or 4 large tea bags 28g
- 8 cups boiled water 64 oz
- 8 cups cold water or ice 64 oz, for dilution
Instructions
- Combine the dried chamomile, rose hips, strawberries, and black tea in a large bowl.
- Mix well and store in a glass jar or container with a lid until ready to use.
- In a large heatproof pitcher, add the entire dry mixture.
- Pour 8 cups (64 oz) of freshly boiled water over the blend.
- Cover and steep for 10 minutes.
- Strain the tea using a fine mesh strainer and discard the solids.
- Add 8 cups (64 oz) of cold water or ice to dilute and chill.
- Sweeten with honey or maple syrup if desired, starting with 1–2 tablespoons.
- Serve over ice or store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a 4-cup teapot, use ¼ cup of the dry blend with 4 cups boiling water and follow the same steps.
Notes
- Use all dry ingredients listed in the recipe.
- Pour 8 cups (64 oz) of freshly boiled water over the tea blend and steep for 10 minutes.
- Strain well, then add 8 cups (64 oz) of cold water or ice to cool and dilute the tea.
- Taste and sweeten with honey or maple syrup if desired. Start with 1–2 tablespoons and adjust to taste.
- Use ¼ cup (4 tablespoons) of the dry blend per 4 cups (32 oz) of boiled water.
- Steep for 10 minutes, then strain and enjoy warm or over ice.
- Add sweetener if you’d like, starting with 1 teaspoon per cup of water and adjusting to your preference.
- For a stronger fruit flavor, stir in a spoonful of mashed fresh strawberries or a drop of natural strawberry flavoring before steeping.
- A squeeze of lemon or a sprig of mint can also brighten the finished tea.
- Keep leftover tea in a sealed jar or pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
