Strawberry Iced Tea Cooler (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Strawberry Syrup

01 - 400 g fresh strawberries, sliced
02 - 150 g granulated sugar
03 - 480 ml water

→ Iced Tea

04 - 240 ml strawberry syrup
05 - 100 g granulated sugar
06 - 120 ml fresh lemon juice
07 - 5 black tea bags
08 - 1.4 litres water, divided
09 - ice cubes, to serve
10 - fresh mint leaves and sliced strawberries, for garnish (optional)

# Instructions:

01 - Combine sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, for approximately 30 minutes until strawberries are soft.
02 - Remove saucepan from heat and strain the mixture into a container, discarding solids. Allow the syrup to cool completely.
03 - In a clean small saucepan, heat 480 ml water to a rolling boil over medium heat. Remove from heat and add black tea bags. Allow to steep for 5 minutes, then discard tea bags.
04 - Stir 100 g granulated sugar into the hot tea until fully dissolved.
05 - In a large pitcher, mix the cooled strawberry syrup, freshly brewed tea, and remaining 960 ml water. Add the fresh lemon juice and stir to blend thoroughly.
06 - Fill glasses with ice cubes, pour in the strawberry iced tea, and garnish with fresh mint leaves and sliced strawberries if desired.

# Notes:

01 - Deeply colored, ripe strawberries provide the best flavor in the syrup.
02 - Strawberry syrup can be prepared in advance and refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
03 - Green tea or decaffeinated tea can be substituted for black tea as preferred.
04 - For optimal taste, serve the iced tea within 24 hours of preparation.