Iced Sweet Mint Tea Recipe: A Refreshing Summer Delight
As the sun blazes overhead and the air fills with warmth, nothing quite compares to the sheer delight of a soothing, refreshing glass of iced tea. This Iced Sweet Mint Tea recipe offers a perfect blend of herbal freshness and sweet undertones, making it an ideal choice for summer gatherings or lazy afternoons spent on the porch. Drawing from cherished childhood memories of sipping on mint tea, this version invites you to enjoy the invigorating flavors of mint while allowing you to customize the sweetness to your taste. If sugar isn’t your preference, feel free to omit it, and the tea will still provide a delightful experience.
Recipe Overview
| Cook Time | 20 minutes |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 5 minutes |
| Total Time | 25 minutes |
| Servings | 8 |
| Category | Beverages |
| Keywords | < 30 Mins, Beginner Cook, Easy, Inexpensive |
Nutritional Information
| Nutritional Component | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 101 |
| Total Fat | 0 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 7.7 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 26.4 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.4 g |
| Sugars | 25.3 g |
| Protein | 0.2 g |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tea (your choice) | 12 tea bags |
| Boiling water | 2 quarts |
| Fresh mint leaves | 10 sprigs |
| Granulated sugar (optional) | 1 cup |
| Lemons (for serving) | 2, sliced |
Instructions
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Brew the Tea: Begin by boiling water in a kettle. Once boiling, pour the hot water over the tea bags and fresh mint leaves in a large teapot or, if you prefer, divide the ingredients between two smaller teapots. Allow the mixture to steep for approximately 20 minutes, letting the flavors of the tea and mint meld together beautifully.
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Prepare the Sweetener: While your tea is steeping, take a 2-quart pitcher that can withstand heat and add the granulated sugar to the bottom. The heat from the freshly brewed tea will help dissolve the sugar more effectively, ensuring an even sweetness throughout the beverage.
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Combine Tea and Sugar: After the 20 minutes of steeping, carefully remove the tea bags and mint sprigs from the pot. Pour the brewed tea directly into the pitcher containing the sugar. Stir well until the sugar is fully dissolved, creating a sweetened base for your iced tea.
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Chill the Tea: Once the tea is sweetened to your liking, place the pitcher in the refrigerator. Allow it to cool down completely until you are ready to serve. This chilling step is crucial, as it ensures the tea will be refreshingly cold and enjoyable.
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Serve Over Ice: When you’re ready to quench your thirst, take the pitcher out of the refrigerator and prepare tall glasses filled with ice. Pour the chilled sweet mint tea over the ice, allowing it to cascade beautifully into the glass.
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Garnish and Enjoy: For a lovely finishing touch, serve the iced tea with slices of fresh lemon. The citrusy zing will elevate the flavors, adding a delightful brightness to each sip. Sit back, relax, and enjoy this refreshing treat that embodies the essence of summer.
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Yield: This recipe yields 8 servings, perfect for sharing with family and friends during those warm, sunlit days.
Final Thoughts
This Iced Sweet Mint Tea not only captures the comforting flavors of home but also invites you to create your own cherished moments, whether shared with loved ones or savored in solitude. It is an ideal addition to any summer gathering, picnic, or leisurely afternoon. Enjoy the sweet refreshment, and may each sip remind you of the simple pleasures of life.
