Southwest Summertime Cooler Orange Mint Iced Tea Recipes

Steps:

• Special equipment: a 60-ounce (7 1/2 cups) pitcher
• For the syrup: In a small saucepan, bring the orange juice and sugar to a boil over medium-high heat. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and cool for 20 minutes.
• For the tea: In a small saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Add the tea bags and remove the pan from the heat. Allow the tea to steep and cool to room temperature, about 20 minutes. Remove the tea bags and discard. Pour the tea and syrup into a pitcher and refrigerate until ready to serve.
• To serve: Pour the sparkling water into the pitcher and add the orange slices. Pour the tea into 4 ice-filled glasses. Garnish with fresh mint, or basil, and serve.

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, bring 4 cups water to a boil. Remove from the heat; add tea bags. Cover and steep for 3-5 minutes. Discard tea bags. , Stir in the sugar, concentrates and remaining water. Add tequila if desired. Refrigerate until chilled. Garnish with mint and lemon if desired.

Steps:

• In a medium saucepan, bring 1 quart water to a boil.
• Remove from heat, and while water is still bubbling, add tea bags and 1/4 cup mint.
• Cover and let steep 8 minutes, then remove and discard tea bags and mint.
• Put remaining quart of cold water into a large pitcher or insulated jug.
• Add hot tea to cold water.
• Let cool to room temperature.
• Add orange juice, honey, and mint sprigs, and mix well.
• Store in refrigerator & serve over ice.