Are you tired of plain iced tea? Freshen up your Memorial Day with these creative drink ideas. Here are some of my make-your-own tea drinks.
My mother always had a pitcher of fresh sweet tea on the kitchen counter. This was our go-to beverage when I was a child. On hot summer days, there was nothing better or more refreshing than that sweet tea over ice. This Memorial Day, why not try a new creative twist on an old favorite?
Today, I never drink sweet tea. Instead, I opt for green tea without sugar. I add a variety of fruits, juices, and herbs when I’m feeling like something a bit more exotic to drink. What exactly can make boring tea creatively refreshing tea?
Tea – The Base Ingredients
The secret to any great recipe is the base ingredient. My go-to brand for green tea is Salada®. I also love loose-leaf teas which are readily available at most food stores. Chamomile and Hibiscus are great tea choices and always keep on hand white tea as it also makes a great base for creative drinks.
Cranberry Mint White Tea Drink
Start by brewing white tea. Add six individual-sized tea bags to two quarts of boiling water and steep for 10 minutes. Place the cooled tea in a two-quart pitcher and add two cups of cranberry juice to the tea Add fresh mint leaves (approximately one cup loosely packed). Chill. Serve over ice and enjoy.
Try serving this as a mocktail drink by reserving the mint until ready to serve. Place ¼ cut of fresh mint leaves in the bottom of your favorite beverage tumble and use a pestle to gently grind the leaves. Put in some ice cubes and pour in the tea mixture. Garnish with an apple slice and a mint leaf. Just for fun, add a cocktail umbrella. Pair this tea with your favorite foods.
Rosemary Green Tea is a Delightful Drink
Place six individual-sized green tea bags in two quarts of boiling water and let steep for 10 minutes before removing the tea bags. Place cooled tea in a pitcher. Add the juice of two lemons. Serve over ice with a fresh twig of rosemary as a garnish. If you prefer a stronger rosemary flavor place the fresh rosemary in the boiling water and steep along with the tea. Just remember to strain the mixture before adding to the pitcher. For more tea drink ideas like this link or check out the Taste of Home recipe ideas.
Do This to Turn your Favorite Tea into a Cocktail
Steep your favorite tea flavor of tea in four cups of water (use six individual-sized tea bags). Chill the strong mixer. Slice your favorite fruits such as kiwi, oranges, mango, pears, strawberries, lemons, and limes. Reserve these for garnishing your drinking glass. Serve the tea in a glass with equal parts tea and sparkling water. Garnish with your choice of fruit. Try fresh herbs as a garnish: lavender, mint, and rosemary are great additions.
Helpful Tips
I make my cranberry juice by boiling 8 ounces of cranberries. These are usually available in the fall in the produce section of your grocery store and can be frozen to use year-round. Place the cranberries in a two-quart pot and add water. Water should be two inches below the rim of the pot. Add the juice of one lime and then slice the lime in quarters and drop in the pot. Add ¼ cup of sugar, stir, bring to a boil, and simmer for one hour. Turn off the stove and let the mixture cool completely for about two hours. Strain the mixture into a pitcher or mason jar and keep it in the refrigerator.
This mix will be strong so it is great for mixing with sparkling water, ginger ale, or your favorite cocktail. Keep refrigerated and consume or freeze within one week.
Please take a few minutes and read this article about the history of Memorial Day. It has been referred to as the most solemn US holiday.
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