I do love myself a good iced tea, but I often grab that bottle, check the back and quickly retract from the number next to the sugar content. Also, I just don’t love single used plastics. So what do we do? Make our own of course! But make it better!
Discover the joy of homemade iced tea with this refreshing and naturally sweetened recipe. By creating your own iced tea, you can savor a delicious beverage that’s free from artificial flavors and excessive sugars. Join us as we explore how to make this delightful drink, packed with fresh fruit flavors and the goodness of brewed tea.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Naturally Sweetened: Say goodbye to store-bought iced teas loaded with refined sugars. This recipe uses freshly squeezed lemon and lime juices along with blended fruit to naturally sweeten your iced tea.
- Customizable: Choose your favorite fruit, whether it’s strawberries, peaches, raspberries, or any other seasonal delight, to personalize your iced tea with vibrant flavors.
- Refreshing and Healthy: Enjoy a cooling beverage that’s not only refreshing but also hydrating and packed with antioxidants from the tea and fresh fruit.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use decaffeinated tea bags? Yes, feel free to use decaffeinated black or green tea bags if you prefer a caffeine-free version of this iced tea.
- How long can I store the homemade iced tea? It’s best to consume the iced tea within a few days for optimal freshness and flavor. Store it in the refrigerator in a sealed container.
- Can I adjust the sweetness of the iced tea? Absolutely! If you prefer a sweeter drink, you can add a bit of maple syrup to taste after blending in the fruit.
Tips for Perfect Homemade Iced Tea:
- Steep Tea Bags Properly: Steep the tea bags in hot water for around 5 minutes to achieve the perfect balance of flavor without bitterness.
- Use Freshly Squeezed Citrus Juices: Opt for freshly squeezed lemon and lime juices for the best flavor. This adds brightness and natural sweetness to the iced tea.
- Experiment with Fruit Combinations: Get creative with the fruit component of your iced tea. Blend different fruits together or use a single fruit variety based on your preference.
Sustainability: Making Your Own Iced Tea vs. Store-Bought
Making your own iced tea at home offers several sustainability benefits:
- Reduction of Packaging Waste: By brewing your own tea and using fresh ingredients, you minimize the use of single-serving tea bottles or cans, reducing packaging waste.
- Control Over Ingredients: Homemade iced tea allows you to choose organic and locally sourced ingredients, supporting sustainable farming practices and reducing your carbon footprint.
- Customization and Creativity: Making your own iced tea encourages experimentation with flavors and reduces reliance on commercially processed beverages, contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle.
Enjoy the process of creating and sipping on your homemade naturally sweetened iced tea, knowing that you’re making a positive impact on your health and the environment!
Homemade Low-Sugar Iced Tea
Ingredients
- 8 tea bags of black or green tea
- 8 cups of water
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 cup of fruit of your choice (such as strawberries, peaches, or raspberries. We used peaches in this recipe. )
Instructions
- Boil 8 cups of water in a saucepan.
- Remove from heat and add the tea bags, steep for 5 minutes.
- Remove tea bags and add lemon and lime juice, stir to combine.
- Blend 1 cup of fruit in a blender or food processor until smooth.
- Add the blended fruit to the tea mixture and stir to combine.
- Pour the mixture into a pitcher and let it cool to room temperature.
- Once cooled, transfer the pitcher to the refrigerator and chill until cold.
- Serve over ice and enjoy your naturally sweetened iced tea!
