Today's forecast : Heat Index of 90 degrees
Iced tea season has begun.
Here is our very favorite way to make iced herbal tea. We could drink a gallon a day between all of us. The kids especially love any citrus or hibiscus flavored tea......
I tend to make a mild tea for frugality's sake. Especially since I add lemon, honey & juice concentrate to it. If you are making straight herbal tea, you may find you need a little more loose tea to acheive the flavor you are after.
our herbal tea
2 quart mason jars or heat safe container for steeping
1/3 cup loose herbs
2 TBSP honey
2 TBSP lemon or lime juice
2 TBSP high quality sugar free fruit concentrate, tart cherry is awesome
*add the herbs to one of the mason jars. fill 2/3 of the way with hot water. let steep for 10 minutes or longer, depending on the tea used. {some teas get bitter if steeped too long & others become more healthful, be sure to check the instructions} strain. add the honey, lemon/lime juice & concentrate. mix well. pour half the tea mix into each quart jar & top with water & ice. enjoy*
I find that a tiny hint of peppermint is very cooling. It isn't noticeable in the end flavor.... but it does taste so refreshing! Try adding a 1/2 tsp to the mix & see what you think!
I like mixing tonic blends & fruity blends. When using a tonic blend, please be sure it is safe for children.
Also, loose tea is by far the most affordable option. I use my seed sprouting strainer on wide mouth jars to strain it + toss it in the compost bucket! Check here and here for some really good quality teas that are organic, ethically harvested, & produced.
