Fruit Blast Sage Iced Tea Recipe
Prep Time: 18 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 8 minutes
Yield: 56 ounces
Description:
This refreshing Fruit Blast Sage Iced Tea combines the sweet and tart flavors of cherries, rhubarb, and honey with the subtle, earthy essence of fresh sage. A perfect drink for hot summer days, this herbal-infused beverage is brightened by the citrusy addition of lemon. Whether enjoyed on its own or alongside a sunny afternoon, this iced tea offers an invigorating twist on traditional fruit beverages, making it a delightful treat to sip by the pool or at your next outdoor gathering.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Water | 2 cups |
| Rhubarb | 2 cups (chopped) |
| Tart Cherries | 1 cup |
| Fresh Sage Leaf | 1/4 cup (roughly chopped) |
| Tea Bags | 4 bags |
| Honey | 1/2 cup |
| Lemon Slice | 1 slice (for garnish) |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 11.9 |
| Fat Content | 0 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 0 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 0 mg |
| Sodium Content | 0.9 mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 3.1 g |
| Fiber Content | 0.1 g |
| Sugar Content | 2.9 g |
| Protein Content | 0.1 g |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Fruit Base:
Begin by placing the water, rhubarb, and tart cherries into a medium-sized saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the fruit from sticking to the bottom of the pan. -
Simmer the Fruit:
Once the water has come to a boil, reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Allow the fruit mixture to simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The goal here is to soften the rhubarb and cherries, allowing their flavors to meld together and infuse the water. -
Strain the Fruit Mixture:
After 30 minutes of simmering, carefully strain the fruit mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a separate bowl or large measuring cup. Use a spoon or spatula to press the fruit against the sieve to extract all the juices. Discard the fruit pulp that remains in the sieve. -
Heat the Liquid:
Return the strained fruit mixture to the saucepan and heat over medium heat until it just begins to boil again. This step helps to concentrate the flavor of the fruit syrup, enhancing the richness of the iced tea. -
Add Tea and Sage:
Once the mixture is just about to boil, add the tea bags and fresh sage leaves to the saucepan. Stir gently to combine, and then cover the pan. Remove from heat and let the ingredients steep for 6-8 minutes. The sage will impart a subtle herbal note that perfectly complements the fruit’s sweetness. -
Strain the Tea:
After the steeping time is up, carefully strain the mixture again to remove the tea bags and sage leaves. Discard the tea bags and sage, leaving only the infused liquid behind. -
Prepare the Tea:
Allow the strained tea mixture to cool slightly. In a large pitcher, combine the tea with 5 cups of cold water. Stir the mixture well to combine. You can adjust the water to your preference depending on how strong you’d like the tea. -
Sweeten the Tea:
Stir in the honey, starting with 1/2 cup. Taste the tea and adjust the sweetness, adding more honey if you prefer a sweeter drink. Stir until the honey has completely dissolved into the liquid. -
Serve and Garnish:
Pour the iced tea into glasses filled with ice. Garnish each glass with a slice of lemon, adding a refreshing citrus note to complement the fruity and herbal flavors. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Additional Tips:
- Adjusting Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet tea, start with less honey and gradually increase the amount to suit your taste.
- Herbal Twist: You can experiment with other herbs, such as mint or basil, if you want to add a different flavor profile to this iced tea.
- Storage: Store any leftover tea in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits, making it even more delicious on the second day.
Why You’ll Love This Fruit Blast Sage Iced Tea:
The combination of sweet cherries, tangy rhubarb, and herbal sage makes this iced tea not only refreshing but also unique. The use of fresh ingredients ensures a clean, vibrant flavor that packs a punch without being overpowering. Perfect for any summer gathering or just a quiet afternoon, this Fruit Blast Sage Iced Tea will quickly become a favorite in your beverage repertoire. Whether served as a standalone drink or alongside your favorite summer meal, this iced tea offers a delightful escape from ordinary drinks, giving you a fresh burst of flavor with every sip.
