Strawberry Rose Tea Recipe – Refreshing Summer Cooler Drink

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Strawberry Rose Tea Recipe – Refreshing Summer Cooler Drink

Okay, let’s be real – summer in India can be intense. You need something seriously refreshing, and quick! This Strawberry Rose Tea is exactly that. I first made this when I was craving something beyond the usual nimbu pani, and honestly, it’s become a summer staple ever since. It’s floral, fruity, and just the right amount of sweet. Plus, it’s so pretty! Let’s get into it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your average iced tea. The combination of sweet strawberries, delicate rose, and robust black tea is just heavenly. It’s incredibly easy to make, needing just 15 minutes of your time, with only 5 minutes of prep! It’s perfect for a hot afternoon, a garden party, or just when you need a little something special. And honestly, it feels a little fancy, doesn’t it?

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of this gorgeous tea:

• 4 cups water
• 3 black tea bags
• 6-7 large strawberries
• 2-3 tablespoons raw sugar (adjust to taste!)
• 0.75 teaspoon Nielsen-Massey’s Rose Water
• 1 lemon juice (from one lemon)
• 7-8 mint leaves (for garnish, optional)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little things can make a big difference.

Rose Water – Nielsen-Massey’s

I highly recommend Nielsen-Massey’s Rose Water. It’s a really pure, fragrant rose water that elevates the whole drink. You can find it online or in some specialty baking stores. A little goes a long way, so don’t overdo it!

Strawberry Variety

Any ripe, juicy strawberries will work beautifully. I prefer using the larger, sweeter varieties when they’re in season. If your strawberries aren’t super sweet, you might need to add a little extra sugar.

Black Tea Type

I usually use a good quality Assam or Darjeeling tea. These have a nice, strong flavour that stands up well to the strawberry and rose. You can experiment with other black teas too – just avoid anything too delicate, as it might get lost in the mix.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s make some tea!

1. First, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Pop in your 3 black tea bags and let them steep for a good 10 minutes. This is where you get that lovely, strong tea base.
2. Once steeped, remove the tea bags and let the tea cool completely. Seriously, don’t skip this step! You don’t want to melt all your lovely strawberry puree later.
3. While the tea is cooling, let’s make the strawberry magic. Roughly mash those 6-7 strawberries with 3 tablespoons of water in a saucepan.
4. Add the sugar and Nielsen-Massey’s Rose Water to the strawberries. Cook over medium heat until the strawberries soften into a beautiful puree – about 5-7 minutes.
5. Stir in the juice of one lemon. This brightens everything up! If you’re using mint, add those leaves now. Then, remove the saucepan from the heat.
6. Now, combine the strawberry mixture with the cooled tea. Add the remaining 2 cups of cold water and give it a good stir.
7. Pop it in the fridge for 2-3 hours. This lets all the flavours meld together and makes it extra refreshing. Trust me, patience is key here!

Expert Tips

• Don’t be afraid to adjust the sugar to your liking. Everyone has a different sweet tooth!
• For a smoother texture, you can strain the strawberry puree through a fine-mesh sieve before adding it to the tea.
• Using filtered water will always give you the best flavour.

Variations

This recipe is super versatile! Here are a few ideas to spice things up:

• Spice Level: My friend, Priya, loves adding a tiny pinch of cardamom to the strawberry puree for a warm, aromatic twist.
• Vegan: This recipe is naturally vegan, which is fantastic!
• Festival Adaptations: This tea is perfect for a summer solstice celebration or a picnic. It’s light, refreshing, and feels very seasonal. My family always makes a big batch for our summer picnics.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Strawberry Rose Tea over ice cubes in pretty glasses. Garnish with a few fresh mint leaves for an extra touch of freshness. It’s lovely with a light snack like biscuits or fruit salad.

Storage Instructions

Leftover tea can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavour might mellow slightly over time, but it will still be delicious!

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• Is this tea best served immediately? While you can drink it right away, it really benefits from chilling for a few hours to let the flavours develop.
• Can I use frozen strawberries? Absolutely! Just thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before mashing.
• What type of black tea works best? Assam or Darjeeling are my go-to choices, but feel free to experiment!
• Can I make a concentrated version of this tea? Yes, you can! Use less water when making the tea base, then dilute with more water when serving.
• How can I adjust the rose flavour? Start with the recommended amount of rose water and add more, a drop at a time, until you reach your desired level of floral flavour.

Enjoy! I hope this Strawberry Rose Tea brings a little bit of sunshine to your day. Let me know what you think in the comments below!