Begin by washing and slicing 2 cups of fresh strawberries, then combine them in a saucepan with 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 cup of water. Over medium heat, stir the mixture gently, bringing it to a simmer, and cook for about 30 minutes or until it thickens and becomes syrupy. Once ready, strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl and let it cool.

While the strawberry syrup is cooling, bring 2 cups of water to a rolling boil in a kettle. Once boiled, pour the water over 3-4 black tea bags in a heat-proof pitcher. Let the tea steep for about 5 minutes, then remove the tea bags. Stir in 1/4 cup of sugar until dissolved, and set the tea aside to cool to room temperature.

In a large pitcher, combine your cooled strawberry syrup with the brewed tea. Next, add 2 cups of cold water and the juice of one freshly squeezed lemon to the mixture. Use a long spoon to stir everything thoroughly, ensuring the flavors meld together beautifully.

To serve, fill each glass with ice cubes to keep your drink refreshingly cold. Pour the strawberry iced tea mixture over the ice, filling the glasses generously. For an extra touch, garnish each glass with fresh mint leaves and a few slices of strawberry on top to enhance the drink's visual appeal. Enjoy the summer vibes with every sip!