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A Sweet Secret
Have you ever been sitting outside in the warm weather, and craved something cold and sweet? Maybe you want something a little sweeter than coffee, but you need that caffeine kick? If so, I have the perfect remedy to satisfy your cravings. If made right, there can be nothing better than a big glass of iced tea. Anyone can take the easy road, and buy a jug of Arizona Iced Tea, but it takes a special recipe to make a good homemade iced tea. There are a few secrets to know before you attempt to make this iced summer beverage. First, you should start with a pitcher of hot, almost boiling, water. Careful if using a glass pitcher, as the boiling water can crack the glass. Add 5-6 caffeinated or decaffeinated tea bags to your pitcher, you want a strong tea so it won’t taste diluted from the ice cubes. Next, you should add a few tablespoons of sugar or honey when the tea is hot, so that it blends into the tea and doesn’t just fall to the bottom. Mix well. The next secret is to add 2-3 cups of lemonade or orange juice. Lemonade will give your tea a sweeter taste, but orange juice will add a tangy citrus flavor. You can add this juice to taste, I prefer about 2/3 tea and 1/3 juice. To serve, put 5-7 ice cubes in each glass. Pour the tea over the ice and garnish with a sliced lemon. If desired, add a few mint leaves to give it a little extra flavor. If you don’t drink the whole pitcher, put the rest in the refrigerator for another hot day. The tea will keep for 2-3 weeks.