Liven Up Your Iced Tea

Iced tea is a traditional refreshing drink during the warm months, and one of my favorites. However, there is so much more you can do with tea to liven up your days and nights! Remember, too, that presentation makes all the difference, whether you are entertaining others or treating yourself during a busy day. The idea is to make drinking tea relaxing and to pamper yourself a little bit, especially during the hectic days of summer.

A pretty chilled glass filled with ice cubes is the easiest way to start, but try these other additions to jazz up your ice tea:

• freeze whole strawberries to add to your drink.
  
  
• freeze edible flowers in your ice cubes such as violets, borage or scented geraniums. (Remember, not all flowers are edible)
  
  
• add a sprig of fresh mint or lemon balm to your drink
  
  
• a thin slice or lemon, orange or lime can be added also.
  
  

I have four recipes for you to try. They can be made and kept in a covered pitcher in the refrigerator for a refreshing drink throughout the day, or you can double the recipes for company. Enjoy!

Honey Apple Tea

Ingredients:

• 4 black tea bags
  
  
• 1/3 cup honey
  
  
• 3 cups unsweetened apple juice
  
  
• 3 cups boiling water
  
  
• lemon slices
  
  

In a 2 quart pot, brew tea bags in boiling water. Remove bags, add honey and apple juice. Stir well. Pour over ice. Makes 6 to 8 servings.

Fruit Tea Punch

Ingredients:

• 1 cup honey
  
  
• 1 cup orange juice
  
  
• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
  
  
• 1 cup fresh fruit, crushed
  
  
• 1 1/2 cups fresh, strong tea
  
  
• 1 pint ginger ale
  
  

Mix all ingredients except ginger ale. Just before serving add ginger ale and crushed ice. If the punch is too strong for your taste you can dilute with ice water or more ginger ale.

Cinnamon Apple Cooler

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups boiling water
  
  
• 6 Cinnamon Apple tea bags
  
  
• 3 tablespoons sugar
  
  
• 1 1/2 cups cold water
  
  
• 1 cup grape juice
  
  
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
  
  
• Club soda, chilled
  
  

In teapot, pour boiling water over teabags; cover and steep 5 minutes. Remove bags; stir in sugar and cool. In pitcher, combine tea, cold water and juices. Serve in ice-filled glasses with a splash of soda. Garnish, if desired, with lemon slices.

Strawberry Yogurt Cooler

Ingredients:

• 2 rosehip tea bags
  
  
• 2 cups boiling water
  
  
• 2 cups plain lowfat yogurt
  
  
• 3 tablespoons honey
  
  
• 1 cup sliced strawberries
  
  

Steep the tea bags in a small teapot or bowl for 10 minutes, covered. Remove tea bags. Place the yogurt, berries, and honey in a blender. Blend until smooth. Add the tea to the yogurt mixture, and blend until smooth. Serve over ice.

Brenda Hyde is an avid tea drinker, a Mom of three, and a writer. For more recipes, tips and family projects visit her at Seeds of Knowledge, her online magazine.

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