Introducing a refreshing and delightful beverage that will invigorate your taste buds and cool you down on those warm summer days – Rhubarb Iced Tea! This simple yet flavorful recipe combines the tartness of rhubarb with the soothing essence of tea, creating a harmonious blend that is sure to be a hit with family and friends alike. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal preparation time, you can whip up a batch of this thirst-quenching elixir in no time.
Rhubarb Iced Tea Recipe
Cook Time: 1 hour
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 8 stalks of rhubarb
- 3 tea bags
- 3 quarts of water
- 3/4 cup sugar
Instructions:
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Prepare the Rhubarb Infusion:
- Begin by rinsing the rhubarb stalks under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Then, trim off the ends and chop the rhubarb into small pieces.
- In a large pot, combine the chopped rhubarb with 3 quarts of water. Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the water to a boil.
- Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and let the rhubarb simmer gently for about 1 hour. This will allow the rhubarb to release its flavor and color into the water, creating a vibrant infusion.
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Add the Tea Bags:
- After the rhubarb has simmered for 1 hour, add the tea bags to the pot of water. Let the tea bags steep in the rhubarb infusion for the last 6 minutes of cooking time.
- The tea bags will infuse the liquid with their rich flavor, complementing the tartness of the rhubarb and creating a well-balanced beverage.
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Strain the Mixture:
- Once the tea bags have steeped, remove the pot from the heat. Using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, strain the rhubarb infusion to remove any solids, leaving behind a smooth liquid.
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Sweeten to Taste:
- Pour the strained rhubarb tea into a 2-quart pitcher. Add 3/4 cup of sugar to the pitcher, or adjust the amount to suit your taste preferences.
- Stir the sugar into the tea until it is completely dissolved. The sweetness of the sugar will help balance out the tartness of the rhubarb, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
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Chill and Serve:
- Place the pitcher of rhubarb iced tea in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour, or until it is thoroughly chilled.
- Once chilled, serve the rhubarb iced tea over ice cubes in glasses. Garnish with fresh rhubarb stalks or lemon slices for an extra touch of elegance.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 166.6
- Fat Content: 0.2g
- Saturated Fat Content: 0.1g
- Cholesterol Content: 0mg
- Sodium Content: 18.3mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 42.1g
- Fiber Content: 1.8g
- Sugar Content: 38.6g
- Protein Content: 0.9g
Recipe Notes:
- This Rhubarb Iced Tea can be enjoyed as is, or you can customize it to suit your preferences. Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar or add a splash of lemon juice for extra brightness.
- For a fun twist, try experimenting with different types of tea bags, such as black tea, green tea, or herbal tea, to create unique flavor combinations.
- This refreshing beverage is perfect for serving at outdoor gatherings, picnics, or brunches. Make a big batch ahead of time and keep it chilled in the refrigerator for whenever thirst strikes.
With its vibrant color, tantalizing flavor, and refreshing taste, Rhubarb Iced Tea is sure to become a new favorite in your beverage repertoire. So gather your ingredients, brew up a batch, and savor the crisp, cool goodness of this homemade delight. Cheers to summer sipping!
