Citrus Iced Tea Recipe
🕒 Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
🥄 Servings: 8
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 6 | cloves |
| 8 cups | water |
| 9 | tea bags |
| 1/2 cup | lemon juice |
| 1/2 cup | orange juice |
| 1 1/2 cups | granulated sugar |
Instructions:
-
Infuse Cloves: Begin by combining the cloves with 2 cups of water in a small saucepan. Bring this mixture to a boil, then remove it from the heat and allow the cloves to steep for at least 45 minutes, ideally for an hour. This process extracts the aromatic essence of the cloves, enhancing the flavor of the tea.
-
-
Prepare Tea: In another saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a gentle boil. Once boiling, add the tea bags, cover the saucepan, and remove it from the heat. Let the tea bags steep in the hot water for 5 to 10 minutes. Be cautious not to over-steep, as it could result in a bitter taste.
-
Strain and Combine: After steeping, carefully remove the tea bags without squeezing them. Squeezing them can release excess tannins, which might impart a bitter flavor to the tea. Next, strain the clove-infused water into a 2-quart container.
-
Add Flavor: To the strained clove water, add the steeped tea along with orange juice, lemon juice, and granulated sugar. Stir the mixture well until the sugar is completely dissolved. The combination of citrus juices adds a refreshing tanginess to the tea, balancing its sweetness.
-
Final Touch: Once the sugar is dissolved, pour in the remaining 4 cups of water and stir the mixture thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
-
Chill and Serve: Once cooled, transfer the tea to the refrigerator and let it chill for a few hours. When ready to serve, pour the citrus iced tea over ice cubes in glasses. Garnish with lemon or orange slices for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
Tips:
- For a hint of warmth, consider adding a cinnamon stick to the clove-infused water during the steeping process, especially if you’re fond of the flavors found in Russian tea.
- To maintain the tea’s freshness, store any leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a few days.
- Customize the sweetness level by adjusting the amount of sugar according to your preference. You can also substitute honey or agave syrup for a natural alternative.
- Experiment with different varieties of tea bags, such as black tea or green tea, to find your preferred flavor profile.
Enjoy this refreshing and flavorful Citrus Iced Tea, perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual weeknight at home or a gathering with friends and family!
