In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of sliced fresh strawberries with ½ cup of granulated sugar and ½ cup of water. Heat over medium heat for about 30 minutes until it becomes syrupy. Strain and let cool.

In another saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Remove from heat, add 2 black tea bags, and steep for 5 minutes. Sweeten if desired and let cool.

In a pitcher, mix the cooled tea with the strawberry syrup, add 2 cups of cold water and ¼ cup of lemon juice. Stir well.

Fill glasses with ice, pour the strawberry iced tea over the ice, and garnish with mint and sliced strawberries if desired.

Store any leftover tea in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours.