On a sweltering summer afternoon, nothing beats the crisp, refreshing taste of iced tea. But why settle for ordinary when you can elevate your sipping experience? Let me introduce you to my favorite summer cooler: Iced Rooibos Tea with Orange and Lemongrass. This unique blend combines the smooth, nutty flavor of rooibos with zesty citrus notes and a hint of lemongrass for a truly invigorating drink.
Ingredients (2-4 servings):
- 4 rooibos tea bags
- 4 cups water
- 2 orange peels, about 2 inches long each
- 2 lemongrass stalks, bruised and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2-3 tablespoons honey (adjust to taste)
- Ice cubes
- Sliced oranges for garnish
Instructions:
- In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
- Remove from heat and add the rooibos tea bags, orange peels, and lemongrass stalks.
- Cover and let steep for 30 minutes. This quick-brew method extracts maximum flavor without bitterness.
- After steeping, remove the tea bags, orange peels, and lemongrass.
- While the tea is still warm, stir in 2-3 tablespoons of honey until dissolved. Start with less and adjust to your desired sweetness level.
- Allow the tea to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until chilled.
- To serve, fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the chilled tea over the ice.
- Garnish each glass with a slice of fresh orange.
Serving Suggestions:
This refreshing iced rooibos tea is perfect for lazy afternoons by the pool or as a non-alcoholic option at summer barbecues. For an extra special touch, try freezing orange slices in your ice cubes for a beautiful presentation.
The natural sweetness of rooibos, combined with the light honey and citrus notes, creates a perfectly balanced drink that’s not too sweet. It’s a guilt-free indulgence that’s sure to become your new summer favorite!
Ready to cool down with this delightful brew?
Don’t forget to share your iced tea creations with us on social media using #SummerSippin!
