Iced Green Tea with Ginger Mint Syrup

Warmer weather is the all that I need spend more time outdoors, and entertaining is the perfect excuse to create fun drink to share with all of our friends. When I think of drinks to entertain with, I think of light and refreshing sippers that can be enjoyed outside. Iced green tea with ginger mint simple syrup is one of those drinks. It balances green tea with the stimulating flavors of ginger and mint, making it mandatory for your summer gatherings. Try the ginger mint simple syrup with more than just green tea, it is sublime over berries and would make an intoxicating combination paired with fresh-squeezed lemonade. 

 

 

Since I've stopped drinking soda, I've been drawn to iced tea as my main afternoon sipper. It has just enough caffeine to keep me going past coffee hours, and I can drink it in many ways. I often make a big batch of unsweetened black tea, drinking it in big tumblers over plenty of ice. Sometimes I mix lemonade into my iced tea 50-50 to make the classic Arnold Palmer, perfect when you want a little bit of sweet-tart but still want tea.

 

 

I usually stay away from sweet tea (as a personal preference), but this green tea has just enough sweetness to satisfy. Because you brew the tea and make the syrup separately, you can have your guests customize their drink to their preferred level of sweetness. Make a double batch of the ginger mint simple syrup to have on hand to flavor all sorts of yummy things! Enjoy this tea for Mother's Day brunch or at your next barbeque.

 

What kind of drinks do you enjoy sipping on when the weather heats up?



 

Iced Green Tea with Ginger Mint Syrup

Makes 2 quarts, serves 8 (get printable recipe)

 

Ingredients

• 8 green tea bags
• 4 cups hot water (just boiling)
• 3 cups ice
• 1 cup cold water
• 1/2 cup (or more) Ginger Mint Simple Syrup (recipe below)
• mint sprigs and lime wedges for garnish

Directions

1. Brew green tea in the 4 cups of hot water for 3-4 minutes. Remove tea bags, and let cool for 15 minutes.
2. Add in 1/2 cup (or your desired amount) of simple syrup and stir well to combine.
3. Add 1 cup of cool water and ice to chill completely before serving.
4. Serve over ice with additional mint and lime wedges if desired.

Ginger Mint Simple Syrup

Makes 1 cup

 

Ingredients

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 inch fresh ginger, cut into thin coins
• 20-30 fresh mint leaves

Directions

1. Heat water, sugar and ginger in a small saucepan until all sugar is dissolved.
2. Take off heat, then add mint leaves. Let steep for 20 minutes, then strain out the solids.
3. Store any remaining syrup in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.