I have been making my own iced tea for ever and a day and my kids absolutely love it. When I haven’t made my homemade iced tea in a few days, they always ask for it. I am always happy to oblige because I know that they are drinking something so much healthier than soda or other sugary drinks and it takes next to no time to make.
How to make iced tea
Brew the tea of your choice (I like using Rooibos tea or any type of strong black tea but you can use pretty much any tea you want) and allow to cool. I steep the tea for around 5 minutes. This gives me nice strong tea without the bitterness that can come from leaving the tea bags in while the tea is cooling. Once the tea is cool, you can start playing around with flavors.
What can you add to iced tea?
Add any juice of your preference (for a clear iced tea I like using apple juice but passionfruit, peach, apricot and berry juices are all excellent). At this point you can add ice and keep in the refrigerator. This is the way I make it 98% of the time but when I’m making iced tea for an event or for guests, I like to add fresh fruit. The fruit adds flavor but also makes the ice tea so pretty. Sliced peaches/nectarines, strawberries, raspberries, pomegranate and lemon are all great additions. Herbs are also great and mint, rosemary, lavender, thyme and basil will all be delicious.
How do you sweeten iced tea?
You can add sugar or another sugar substitute to the hot tea or sweeten your iced tea with fruit juice, fruit concentrate, honey or simple syrup.
Refreshing drinks for summer
Rooibos peach punch
Blushing strawberry gin and tonic
Passionfruit & Ginger cocktail
