Saturday, May 30, 2009

Iced Green Tea Lemonade

After a day of working in the yard with the kiddos, we all needed something cold and refreshing to drink. I know that water is the best choice, and we drink our share. Sometimes though, you want something different, something with flavor. Not cloyingly sweet and syrupy, not sour. Light, cold, flavor that dances on your tongue. How 'bout good old fashioned iced tea? Something about summer just begs for iced tea. Sun tea, if you have time. No time today, we needed cold refreshment NOW!

Then I remembered that wonderful green tea lemonade I had at Starbucks a few weeks ago. That would be perfect. The crisp refreshment of lemonade and the light energy of green tea. Over a tall glass of ice. Perfect.

Iced Green Tea Lemonade

4 decaf green tea bags
2/3 c organic sugar (or to taste)
1 packet Kool aid lemonade
8 cups barely boiling water
3 cups crushed ice (or whole ice cubes)

Heat 8 cups of water until bubbles form along the bottom and sides of pan, but do not yet rise to the top. Just shy of boiling. Remove from heat and add 4 bags decaf green tea. Stir lightly to make sure tea bags are saturated. Allow to brew 4 minutes. Remove and discard tea bags. Add the lemonade mix and the sugar and stir to dissolve. Put 3 cups whole or crushed ice in a pitcher and pour hot tea mixture over ice. Add more ice if needed, you don't want to melt your pitcher. Serve over ice or chill and enjoy later.

All three of my kiddos downed two huge glasses. This may be our new summer indulgence.

2 comments:

  1. can you use fresh lemons or lemon juice instead of the kool aid mix?

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  2. You absolutely can! It would likely be even more refreshing. I just did not have them on hand when I made this. You may need to add a touch more sweetener, depending on how much lemon juice you use.

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