Refreshing Iced Tea Sweetener 🍹
Description
Looking for the perfect sweetener to elevate your iced tea game? Look no further! This simple yet delightful concoction promises to transform your ordinary iced tea into a tantalizingly sweet treat. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make and can be stored in the fridge for several days, ensuring you always have a refreshing sweetener on hand. Give it a try and experience the magic yourself!
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 6 cups of sweetener
Ingredients
- 5 cups sugar
- 3 cups water
- 6 lemons, sliced
- Fresh mint leaves
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 499.9
- Fat: 0.2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 4.2mg
- Carbohydrates: 133.6g
- Fiber: 3.8g
- Sugar: 124.9g
- Protein: 1g
Recipe Instructions
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Boil the Sugar and Water: In a non-reactive pot, slowly bring 3 cups of water and 5 cups of sugar to a gentle boil over medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure the sugar dissolves completely. This step might take around 10-12 minutes.
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Add Lemon and Mint: Once the sugar is fully dissolved, it’s time to infuse the syrup with the vibrant flavors of lemon and mint. Add the sliced lemons (or 12 tablespoons of lemon juice) and a handful of fresh mint leaves to the pot. Let them mingle and release their aromatic essence into the syrup.
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Remove from Heat and Cool: Once the lemon and mint have infused their flavors into the syrup, remove the pot from the heat. Allow the mixture to cool for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
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Strain the Sweetener: After the sweetener has cooled slightly, strain it through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the lemon slices and mint leaves. This will give you a smooth and clear sweetener, free from any solids.
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Chill and Enjoy: Your homemade iced tea sweetener is now ready to use! Transfer it to a clean, airtight container and refrigerate until chilled. When you’re ready to enjoy a refreshing glass of iced tea, simply add a splash of this sweetener to your brewed tea and stir well. Garnish with fresh lemon slices and mint leaves for an extra touch of elegance.
Tips:
- For a twist on traditional iced tea, try freezing the sweetener in ice cube trays. These sweetener cubes can be added directly to your glass of iced tea, keeping it cool without diluting the flavor.
- Experiment with different variations by adding additional fruits or herbs to the syrup, such as orange slices, raspberries, or basil, to create your signature sweet tea flavor.
- Adjust the sweetness level according to your preference by increasing or decreasing the amount of sugar used in the recipe. You can also substitute honey or agave syrup for a different flavor profile.
- Store any leftover sweetener in the refrigerator for up to one week to enjoy refreshing iced tea whenever the craving strikes.
With its irresistible sweetness and refreshing citrusy notes, this homemade iced tea sweetener is sure to become a staple in your beverage repertoire. Perfect for hot summer days or anytime you need a pick-me-up, it’s the ultimate companion to your favorite iced tea blend. Cheers to sipping in style! 🌞🍋