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Apple Iced Tea: The Refreshing Summer Drink Recipe

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Refreshing homemade apple iced tea with flavorful apple syrup and black tea. Perfect for a warm day!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups water, divided
  • 4 black tea bags (or 4 teaspoons loose leaf black tea)
  • 2 medium apples, such as Honeycrisp or Fuji, cored and chopped
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  • Ice cubes, for serving
  • Apple slices and lemon wedges, for garnish (optional)
  • Fresh mint sprigs, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups of water and the chopped apples.
  2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until apples are very soft.
  3. Remove from heat and mash the apples thoroughly with a potato masher or spoon.
  4. Place a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth (or a clean kitchen towel) over a bowl. Pour the apple mixture into the sieve and let the syrup drip through naturally.
  5. Measure the syrup. You should have about 1 1/2 to 2 cups. If less, add a little water to reach the desired amount.
  6. Return the apple syrup to the saucepan. Add the granulated sugar and lemon juice.
  7. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is completely dissolved (3-5 minutes).
  8. Remove from heat and let the apple syrup cool completely.
  9. Bring the remaining 4 cups of water to a boil.
  10. Place the black tea bags (or loose leaf tea in a tea infuser) in a heatproof pitcher or large teapot. Pour the boiling water over the tea bags.
  11. Let the tea steep for 3-5 minutes.
  12. Remove tea bags or tea infuser from the pitcher. Squeeze the tea bags gently to extract all the flavor.
  13. Let the brewed tea cool to room temperature.
  14. Once the tea and apple syrup are both cooled, pour the apple syrup into the pitcher of brewed tea.
  15. Stir well to ensure the apple syrup is evenly distributed throughout the tea.
  16. Taste and adjust the sweetness to your liking. Add more lemon juice or water if too sweet, or more sugar or simple syrup if not sweet enough.
  17. Refrigerate the iced tea for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and for the tea to become thoroughly chilled.
  18. Fill glasses with ice cubes.
  19. Pour the Apple Iced Tea over the ice. Garnish with apple slices, lemon wedges, and fresh mint sprigs, if desired.

Notes

  • Experiment with different types of apples for the syrup.
  • Adjust the amount of sugar to your liking. You can also use other sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar.
  • Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves to the apple syrup for a warm and cozy flavor.
  • Top off each glass of iced tea with a splash of sparkling water or club soda for a refreshing fizz.
  • For a richer and more intense apple flavor, use apple cider instead of water when making the apple syrup.
  • Add a few sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme to the apple syrup while it’s simmering for a unique and aromatic twist.
  • Add a shot of bourbon, rum, or vodka to each glass for an adult version of this refreshing drink.
  • Store leftover Apple Iced Tea in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Find it online: https://anasrecipes.com/apple-iced-tea/