Simple Summer Tea

Summer – brings to mind warm days, family gatherings, sun, and fun. The last few weeks have been very busy. Sorry I haven't blogged. There wasn't much time or energy for entertaining. But I need to remind myself entertaining for two is just as important as doing so for a group of friends.

Fete Avec Moi

Recently at our local Christmas Tree Store, I found the greatest glasses. They look like a clear glass slipped inside a Ball Jar with a lid and straw. Perfect for summer days and nights (anti-bug design).

Last year, I remembered you don't need to waste your money on iced tea powder chemical garbage. My mom and her friend, Anita (who growing up always had a pitcher of the most delicious iced tea ready to serve) always made theirs from regular tea bags. They brewed real tea, then let it cool and poured over ice. But during the course of the summer last year, I discovered that you don't actually need to heat the tea. Many companies now make cold brew tea bags. Our local target tonight had 2 boxes of 24 cold brew tea bags on sale for $4.50. I am horrible at math but won't this come down to something like $.10 a pitcher.

Now during this year, I learned about water infusions. Adding cucumbers, lemons, oranges or other fruits and vegetables to your water can alter the flavor. So now I combine both ideas. Into my pitcher I slice a lemon or two or an orange, sweeten lightly (maybe a tablespoon of sugar to the whole thing), hang a tea bag (any flavor – cold brew or hot brew) off the side, fill with water. Refrigerate for a few hours. Remove the tea bag. Yes, I hear my mother's warnings about not letting the tea bags sit for too long or the tanic acid builds up. And for the rest of the day I have a nice pitcher of infused iced tea. You might like to try it too. My favorite blend so far has been an orange sliced with a blueberry acai tea bag. What combination works for you? I'd love to hear what you have come up with.