Liven Up Your Iced Tea
By Brenda Hyde

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. Try these other additions to jazz up your iced 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

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

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

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.

Apple Spiced Iced Tea

Ingredients:
3 cups apple juice or cider
3 cups boiling water
6 black tea bags
1/4 tsp. ground allspice
1/3 cup honey

Add tea bags to boiling water. Let stand 15 minutes. Remove and add allspice, honey and apple juice. Simmer over low heat until honey is blended, about one minute. Chill. Serve over ice with lemon slices if desired. Store in a covered pitcher in the refrigerator.

Strawberry Yogurt Cooler

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.

About the author
Brenda Hyde is a wife and Mom of three, a freelance writer and editor of Old Fashioned Living.