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Bored of drinking water and fruit juices this summer? Why not refresh yourself with some iced tea? Iced tea is a beverage that is enjoyed worldwide, particularly during the hot summer months. This thirst-quencher is a chilled version of traditional brewed tea that has been cooled and served over ice with a few drops of lemon juice or other frut extracts based on individual preferences. The drink offers a soothing blend of tea with revitalising lemon juice, and the coolness of ice can be enjoyed anytime of the day
In addition to its delightful taste, iced tea also offers various important nutrients, including antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Drinking iced tea has many health benefits, like improving heart health, boosting immunity, and supporting weight loss. Iced tea is versatile and can be customised according to one’s preferences. Commonly served in tall glasses or pitchers with ice cubes, it can be garnished with lemon wedges, fresh berries, or herbs to enhance flavours and add visual appeal.
If you are also craving some iced tea this summer, here are five recipes for you:
Raspberry Iced Tea
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 8 cups
Ingredients:
- 8 ½ cups of water (divided)
- 2/3 cups of sugar
- 5 tea bags
- 3 to 4 cups of unsweetened raspberries
- Mint sprigs
Method:
- Pour four cups of water into a saucepan. Bring to a boil and add sugar, stirring continuously until it dissolves. Remove the pan from the flame and add the teabags. Steep them for 5 to 8 minutes, then discard them.
- Add four cups of water to another saucepan and mix in the raspberries and remaining water.
- Bring that to a boil, lower the flame, and let it simmer, uncovered, for three minutes.
- Strain and remove the pulp. Mix the raspberry blend with the tea mix you just made, refrigerate, garnish with mint sprigs, and serve chilled with ice cubes.
Mint Iced Tea
Total Time: 15 to 20 minutes
Servings: 5 cups
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon green tea (loose)
- 5 cups of boiling water
- 2 bunches of fresh spearmint (small, rinsed, and drained)
- 1/2 cups of sugar
Method:
- Rinse a teapot with boiling water and set it aside.
- Pour the 5 cups of boiling water into that and let the tea bags steep for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add in the spearmint and sugar. Stir the sugar until it dissolves.
- Steep for another 3 to 4 minutes and strain.
- Serve chilled with ice cubes after it cools down to room temperature.
Peach Iced Tea
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 12 cups
Ingredients:
- 3 cups of peach nectar
- 2 quarts of brewed tea
- A cup of sugar
- 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice
Method:
- Get a pitcher and combine all the ingredients in it.
- Stir well, chill, and serve with ice cubes.
Mixed Iced Tea
Total Time: 12 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 12 cups
Ingredients:
- 8 chamomile tea bags
- 12 cups of filtered water (room temperature)
- 2 small oranges (peeled, thinly sliced, and de-seeded)
- 24 large strawberries
- 4 teaspoons of honey
- 4 teaspoons of hot water
Method:
- Pour one and a half cups of water into a pint-sized canning jar and add a tea bag. Add in two orange slices and six halves of strawberries.
- Cover with a lid and refrigerate for 12 hours.
- Remove the tea bags from the jars and add honey with four teaspoons of hot water.
- Mix, chill, and serve immediately.
Lemon And Basil Iced Tea
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 6 cups
Ingredients:
- 4 black tea bags
- 6 fresh basil leaves
- 1 lemon (thinly sliced)
- 6 cups of water
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
Method:
- Get a large pot and pour six cups of water into it.
- Bring to a boil and steep the tea, basil, lemon, and sugar.
- Remove the tea bags and refrigerate your iced tea. Serve chilled.
