It's important to stay hydrated in the summertime heat, so you definitely want to be sure to drink lots of water. But when lounging poolside, nothing beats a refreshing drink - adult or otherwise! We have a great collection of recipes for cool beverages here on SwimmingPool.com, but we wanted to highlight a few Iced Teas that you can make simply with some ingredients you may already have.
Iced Tea was invented back in 1904 at the St. Louis World's Fair when ice was added to hot tea to cool down the visitors. The great thing about iced tea is that it helps boost the immune system while regulating cholesterol. Did you know that Iced Tea has it's own holiday? Though no one can pinpoint when it actually began, National Iced Tea Day is celebrated on June 10th. While many enjoy the taste of iced tea brewed from black tea leaves, there are so many variations that you can add to your poolside refreshments menu!
Strawberry Lemonade Tea
The "lemonade" flavor in this tea comes from using lemon tea bags - which makes the taste fairly subtle. If you want a more lemon taste, you can add more lemon to the recipe. This tea is thicker than most because of the club soda, so you can add more or less to get the consistency that you desire. This tea is also naturally sweetened by the strawberries. If you are looking for a sweeter tea, you can add strawberries that are frozen in syrup.
INGREDIENTS:
- 6 lemon tea bags
- 4 cups boiling water
- 24 ounces strawberry puree
- 1 bottle club soda or sparkling water
DIRECTIONS:
To make the puree, place fresh or frozen strawberries in a blender for 1 minute. Steep tea bags in boiling water for 5 minutes. Gently squeeze the tea bags and remove them.
Allow the tea to cool. In a large pitcher combine tea concentrate with strawberry puree. Add sparkling water. Stir well and serve over ice.
Pineapple Sun Tea Cooler
The great thing about this tea is that it can brew poolside, and it can be ready when you are done splashing in the pool!
INGREDIENTS:
- 4 black tea bags
- 4 cups water
- 1 can (12 ounce size) unsweetened pineapple juice concentrate, thawed
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- 1/3 cup sugar
DIRECTIONS:
Mix tea bags and water in sun-tea jar or pitcher. Let stand in hot sun 3 hours.
Remove tea bags. Chill tea 1 hour.
Mix juice concentrate, lemon juice and sugar in medium bowl until sugar is dissolved. Stir into tea. Keep refrigerated.
Mint Tea
For a more sophisticated taste, try an iced mint tea recipe. Fresh spearmint and sugar add just the right punch to the green tea.
INGREDIENTS:
- Boiling water
- 1 tablespoon loose Chinese green tea
- 5 cups boiling water
- 2 small bunches fresh spearmint, rinsed and drained
- 1/3 to 1/2 cup sugar
DIRECTIONS:
Rinse teapot with boiling water to warm; discard water. Combine tea and 5 cups boiling water in teapot, and steep for 2 to 3 minutes. Add mint and sugar, stirring until sugar dissolves. Steep 3 to 4 minutes. Strain tea, and serve immediately over ice.
Peach Iced Tea
Combine freshly brewed or store-bought tea with canned peach nectar, sugar, and lime juice for a sweet summer afternoon drink with just a hint of tart flavor. This beverage keeps well, so make a big batch and invite all of your friends poolside!
INGREDIENTS:
- 3 (11.5-ounce) cans peach nectar
- 2 quarts brewed tea
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
DIRECTIONS:
Stir together all ingredients; chill until ready to serve.
With a few of these suggestions, you will be ready to celebrate Iced Tea day or any summer day poolside!
