Great summer drinks to enjoy while hot tubbing
June 12, 2018 – Isn’t it terrific that summer’s nearly here? Now, in the Northwest, it seems that summer doesn’t officially arrive until after the 4th of July. I’m looking at the forecast for the next week, however, and I’m feeling optimistic that we’ll be enjoying some terrific sunny days in the very near future.
When the sun’s out, it makes me think about refreshing drinks to enjoy in the hot tub. Since June is National Iced Tea Month, I though it appropriate to offer up a couple of great iced tea choices to mix up and enjoy while soaking. I especially love fruit-based drinks in the summer, so these two iced tea recipes are ideal.
Invite friends over, enjoy the sun, and treat yourself to one of these tasty drinks.
Strawberry Mint Iced Tea
You’ll need
- 2 quarts water
- 4-6 tea bags (English Breakfast or a good black tea will work great)
- 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
- 12 fresh mint leaves
- Ice
Mix it up
- Bring ¼ cup water to a boil in a small pan
- Place the tea bags in the water and immerse in the water fully a few times before removing from heat; then steep the tea in the water for an additional 4-10 minutes (depending on strength you prefer)
- Fill a pitcher with the remaining water and pour the hot tea into the pitcher
- Thinly slice the strawberries and add to the pitcher
- Crush half the mint leaves (use a mortar & pestle if available) and add to the pitcher; add the remaining half of the leaves whole
- Chill overnight and serve
Peach Iced Tea
You’ll need
- 12 black tea bags
- Filtered water
- 1 cup sugar
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- 1 can (11.5 oz) of peach nectar
- 1 lemon
- 4 fresh peaches
Mix it up
- Bring 4 cups of water to a boil
- Remove water from heat & add tea bags; steep tea for about 10 minutes
- Remove tea bags; add sugar & stir until dissolved
- Add baking soda & peach nectar; stir thoroughly
- Add ten cups of ice water to a large pitcher, then add the peach tea mixture & stir
- Squeeze in 1-2 tablespoons of lemon juice from the fresh lemon
- Chill overnight
- One half hour before serving, add slices of fresh peaches
