This is a recipe I shared in a June issue of Local Joe News. I live in Texas. Down here it gets really hot during the summer. Nothing is better than a nice cold glass of Iced Tea or tangy Lemonade when the temperature goes up. So what can be better than combining the two right? Here’s a recipe for one of my family favorites. You can adjust the sweetness to your liking. The recipe as is, is pretty balanced. So if you like it sweeter, add more sugar (about 2 1/2 – 3 cups). If you like it tangier, use less sugar (about 1 1/2 cup). And, if you are feeling adventurous try exchanging the water for club soda or sparkling mineral water. Just make the syrup ahead of time, let it cool and then combine with sparkling water when you get ready to serve.

2 cups boiling water
1 family size tea bag (to make 2 qts tea)
2 cups sugar
1 cup fresh lemon juice
4-5 cups fresh cold water or 1 liter bottle of sparkling water

In medium sauce pan on stove, pour boiling water over tea bag and allow it to steep for 5 minutes or according to package directions. Turn heat to low and add sugar. Stir on heat until sugar completely dissolves. Add lemon juice and continue to heat and stir until mixture begins to turn translucent again, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature or refrigerate until ready to use. Pour syrup into 2 quart pitcher and fill remaining with cold water or bottle of sparkling water. That’s it. Enjoy!

© Copyright 2012. Michaela C. Jones. Please do not copy, repost or reprint without permission.

If you like this recipe, I’d love to hear from you!