We would be remiss if we didn't acknowledge National Iced Tea Month! Summertime is finally here, the sun is shining in southcentral PA, and the iced tea is brewed, chilled and ready for kicking back, 'livin the good life!The brew on the left is a botanical blend, harvested from our garden, which includes lemon balm, lemon verbena, apple mint, and a touch of spearmint. After gathering a large bunch of these herbs, I tossed them into a gallon jug and covered them with about a quart of boiling water. Let the herbs steep for 20 minutes, remove them, and fill the gallon jug with ice cubes and water. I added two large lemon verbena stems to the gallon jar to continue to flavor the herbal brew overnight. This morning we have a very refreshing lemon tisane, naturally caffeine free, and unsweetened. If you would like, a touch of lavender syrup or honey would add another flavor component to the mix. Experiment! You can't go wrong.
The tea on the right is a mint tea. Brewed using a black tea base with a large bunch of spearmint leaves added and sweetened generously with a cup of sugar to the gallon, it is a very refreshing way to celebrate National Iced Tea Month. Susanna, enjoying the bright summer morning while the kids are at vacation Bible school, opts for the caffeine kick the black tea provides.
Yummm! Ice tea of any kind is a good thing on a warm summer day. Now if it would just get warm here.
ReplyDeleteyum yum!! very cool it is actually iced tea month! been making teas such as yours after being inspired by your mom's wonderful book! big hugs to you both!:)
ReplyDeleteHi Nancy and Susanna: The Lemon Tisane sounds wonderful! Never thought about adding a touch of lavender to it...will have to give that a try. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteDonna
One of my favorite beverages! Especially with rose geranium leaves in it!
ReplyDeleteBoth are beautiful iced teas, but my choice would be the same as Susanna.
ReplyDeleteBoth these brews sound delicious.
ReplyDeleteIced tea is a popular packaged drink. It can be mixed with flavored syrup,with common flavors including lemon, peach, raspberry, cherry. the most common among the these are lime and peach. Apart from this herbs are also sometimes served cold and referred to as herbal iced tea. It is also quick and easy. A cup of tea actually contains more of these compounds, called antioxidants, than a serving of any fruit or vegetable! And do watch the calories if you drink tea with added sugar.
ReplyDeleteIce Tea