Homemade iced tea is the ultimate way to stay cool, hydrated and refreshed during hot summer days. Making your own drinks at home lets you control the sugar intake and avoid usage of any kind of artificial ingredients. These five easy recipes will delight your taste buds. Gather your favourite tea bags, fresh fruits and plenty of ice cubes to get started on with this journey.
Classic Lemon Mint Iced Tea
This delicious combination offers a crisp and familiar flavor profile that instantly cools you down from the heat. Firstly, steep four black tea bags in four cups of boiling water for five minutes. Remove the tea bags, then stir in two tablespoons of honey and a quarter-cup of fresh lemon juice. Finally, let the liquid cool down and lastly, add fresh mint leaves to serve over crushed ice.
Sweet Peach Ginger Iced Tea
A couple of ripe peaches and spicy ginger creates a perfect balance of sweet and tasty flavors in every sip. Start making this wonderful drink by steeping four black tea bags with three thin slices of fresh ginger in hot water. Then do the needful by mashing one ripe sliced peach with half tablespoon of sugar in your pitcher. Strain the warm ginger tea directly over the peach mash and refrigerate until it turns cold.
Also Read: How Bubble Tea Took Over The World?
Zesty Mint Lime Green Tea
Green tea provides a light, earthy base pairing wonderfully with bright and zesty citrus notes. Steep four green tea bags in hot water for three minutes to avoid creating any sort of bitterness. Next, stir in the juice of one whole lime and a handful of bruised mint leaves. Lastly, cool the mixture to room temperature before pouring it into your favourite ice-filled glasses.
Also Read: Is Maple Syrup Better For You Than Sugar?
Tropical Mango Berry Iced Tea
This bright, colorful drink brings a sweet taste of the peach right into your own kitchen. Start your preparation by steeping four herbal hibiscus tea bags in four cups of boiling water. Next, stir in a half-full of fresh mango puree and a handful of sliced strawberries. Finally, mix the liquid thoroughly and store it in the fridge for a beautiful afternoon treat.
Cucumber Basil Green Tea
This ultra-clean flavor combination easily mimics the luxury experience of a premium day spa. Steep four green tea bags with five fresh basil leaves for roughly fifteen minutes. If you wish, you can even discard the tea bags and drop six thin slices of crisp fresh cucumber into the liquid. Finally, leave the pitcher in the refrigerator for three hours so that the fresh flavors fully combine together.
Also Read: 7 Popular Dishes That Originated In Ancient Greece
Pro-Tips You May Follow
Always brew your hot tea slightly stronger because the melting ice cubes will dilute the liquid. Never pour boiling hot tea directly over ice cubes or the prepared mixture otherwise it will turn cloudy and taste bitter. For getting the best results, always allow your pitcher to get cooled on the counter before placing it in the fridge.
Footnote On Sweeteners
For getting the best results, always add granulated sugar, honey or maple syrup while the tea base is still warm. You can avoid adding solid sweeteners as they do not dissolve well in cold liquids and will settle at the bottom of your pitcher. If your tea is already cold, you can even add simple syrup like liquid sugar to make your drink taste sweet.
