Citrus Mint Lime Iced Tea
Beat the summer heat with this revitalizing Citrus Mint Lime Iced Tea, perfect for poolside lounging or backyard gatherings. Inspired by Fred Thompson's 'Iced Tea,' this recipe combines traditional tea with the bright zing of limeade for a delightful twist. Optional additions of crushed mint leaves and sour mash whisky can elevate it into a refreshing cocktail, making it versatile for any occasion. You can easily customize the sweetness with Splenda or your preferred sweetener, ensuring everyone can enjoy this easy-to-make beverage. Serve chilled over ice, garnished with a fresh lime wedge for a truly refreshing experience.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cold Water
7 cups (Use chilled water for mixing.)
Regular Tea Bags
6 (Choose your favorite brand (Lipton recommended).)
Granulated Sugar
1 cup (Adjust sweetness to taste or substitute with Splenda.)
Frozen Limeade Concentrate
1 (6 ounce) can (Thaw before use.)
Lime Wedge
for garnish (Slice fresh limes.)
Ice
for serving (Use crushed or cubed ice as desired.)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of cold water to a rolling boil.
2
Once boiling, remove from heat and add the tea bags. Allow the tea to steep for 5 minutes, making sure to avoid squeezing the tea bags as it can add bitterness.
3
In a 2-quart heat-proof pitcher, mix the thawed limeade concentrate and granulated sugar until dissolved.
4
Carefully pour the steeped tea into the pitcher with the limeade mixture and stir well to combine.
5
Add the remaining 3 cups of cold water to the pitcher and stir again. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature before refrigerating for a few hours to chill.
6
To serve, fill glasses with ice and pour the chilled tea over the ice. Garnish each glass with a lime wedge for a delightful presentation.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Citrus Mint Lime Iced Tea?
It is a revitalizing summer beverage that combines traditional tea with the bright zing of limeade for a refreshing twist.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
How long should I steep the tea bags?
The tea bags should be allowed to steep for 5 minutes after being added to the boiling water.
Why shouldn't I squeeze the tea bags?
Squeezing the tea bags can release tannins that add an unwanted bitterness to the final beverage.
Can I use a different sweetener?
Yes, you can customize the sweetness using Splenda or your preferred sweetener to taste.
Is this drink alcoholic?
By default, it is a non-alcoholic beverage, but it can be easily adapted into a cocktail.
How can I turn this into a cocktail?
You can elevate it into a cocktail by adding crushed mint leaves and sour mash whisky.
What kind of tea bags are recommended?
Regular tea bags are used; the recipe specifically suggests brands like Lipton.
Can I use fresh lime juice instead of concentrate?
The recipe calls for frozen limeade concentrate, but you can experiment with fresh juice, though the sweetness may need adjusting.
How much total water is needed?
A total of 7 cups of cold water is used: 4 cups for boiling and 3 additional cups for the final mix.
Do I need to thaw the limeade concentrate?
Yes, the 6-ounce can of frozen limeade concentrate should be thawed before mixing.
How should I serve the tea?
Serve the tea chilled over ice in glasses, garnished with a fresh lime wedge.
Can I add fresh mint to the recipe?
Yes, adding crushed mint leaves is a recommended optional addition for extra freshness and flavor.
How long does it take to chill?
The tea should be refrigerated for a few hours after reaching room temperature to ensure it is properly chilled.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is described as an easy-to-make beverage perfect for various summer events.
Can I make this for a party?
Absolutely, it is ideal for backyard gatherings, poolside lounging, and other festive occasions.
What is the recommended garnish?
Each glass should be garnished with a fresh lime wedge for a delightful and professional presentation.
Can I use Splenda instead of sugar?
Yes, the description specifically mentions that Splenda can be used as a sugar substitute.
Who inspired this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by Fred Thompson's book titled 'Iced Tea'.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized under the Beverages section.
Is the serving size specified in the data?
The specific serving size is not defined, but the recipe is calculated for 8 servings.
Does this recipe provide nutritional information?
Nutritional data such as calories, fat, and protein are currently not available for this specific recipe.
Should I use boiling water for the tea?
Yes, you should bring 4 cups of cold water to a rolling boil before adding the tea bags.
How many tea bags are required for this amount of water?
The recipe requires 6 regular-sized tea bags to achieve the desired strength.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 6 main ingredients used in this recipe including the garnish and ice.
Can I use crushed ice for serving?
Yes, the recipe suggests using either crushed or cubed ice based on your preference.
When should I add the granulated sugar?
Mix the granulated sugar with the thawed limeade concentrate in the pitcher until dissolved before adding the steeped tea.
Is this drink suitable for hot summer days?
Yes, it is specifically designed to help beat the summer heat as a refreshing beverage.
What size pitcher is needed for mixing?
A 2-quart heat-proof pitcher is recommended to properly mix and hold the entire recipe.
Can I prepare this tea in advance?
Yes, it is best to prepare it a few hours ahead of time so it has sufficient time to chill in the refrigerator.