Although you can enjoy iced tea all year long, it seems to be especially refreshing during the summer. While there are the traditional recipes like your go-to classic, unsweetened, black iced tea and others, try shaking things up this summer. Here are a few unique iced tea recipes that’ll keep your iced tea routine fresh and cool.
Tropical Iced Tea
- 1 quart boiling hot water
- 4 orange pekoe tea bags
- ice cold water
- 16 oz. pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup simple syrup
Those who live in a tropical location tend to know some tricks to beating the heat. For an island-inspired iced tea recipe, try Hawaiian sweet tea. Using a large pitcher, steep orange pekoe tea bags for about four minutes. Then, remove the tea bags and pour in ice water, pineapple and simple syrup. Once you’ve chilled it in the refrigerator, top the fruit iced tea with some fresh pineapple and sip away to an island far, far away.
Herb-Refreshing Iced Tea
- 1 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 8 cups water
- 1/3 cup natural sweetener
- Sliced lemon for garnish
Mint, often associated with a cooling sensation, can be used as a key ingredient in iced tea. Add basil to that and you have a refreshing combination of herbs that will wake you up on an extra hot day, without any caffeine. To create an all-natural basil-peppermint iced tea recipe, muddle basil leaves and fresh mint and steep in 8 cups of boiling water for 10 minutes. Sweeten with agave syrup. Chill by adding ice cubes or refrigerating. Then garnish with a lemon slice and enjoy a caffeine-free iced tea that cools you down and awakens your senses.
Sweetened Arnold Palmer
- 6 cups water
- 6 hibiscus tea bags
- 2 lbs. strawberries (halved)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh-squeezed lemon juice
- 1/4 cup simple syrup
The traditional Arnold Palmer recipe calls for half lemonade and half iced tea, but you can put a twist on the classic summer drink by making a few changes. Steep hibiscus tea bags for half an hour to create a floral-tea base. Pour the mixture into a pitcher and set aside to cool. Then, place a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water and combine strawberries and sugar. Heat for about 25 minutes to release juices and strain into the pitcher while stirring gently. Add lemon juice and simple syrup. Serve with ice and you have a sweetened version of an Arnold Palmer to enjoy throughout the dog days of summer.
Homemade Iced Tea Made With Home-Approved Water
Using cleaner and clearer water is the way to go when making homemade iced tea. Culligan can help make sure the water you use fits the bill. We’ll test your drinking water and provide the solutions you need to have quality water running in your home so you can make refreshing iced tea recipes all year long.