Head & Heart Iced Tea Lemonade
Posted by Sarah Beyers on Jun 5th 2023
Nothing beats a tall glass of iced tea on a hot summer's day. But what if we were to take it up a notch and infuse it with the flavors and benefits of chamomile, lemon balm, skullcap, passion flower leaf and stem, mint, and ginger root, and mix in some fresh squeezed lemonade? The result is a delightful and refreshing beverage that combines the soothing properties of herbs with the zesty tang of lemonade. Join us as we explore the world of Juniper’s Head & Heart iced tea & lemonade blend, and discover how this unique blend can quench your thirst and invigorate your senses.
Chamomile, known for its calming properties, sets the stage for a peaceful and tranquil experience. Adding a touch of lemon balm to the mix brings a burst of citrusy goodness to the floral subtlety, and sweetness of the lemonade. Skullcap and Passion Flower are known for their calming effects on the nervous system, as they can aid in soothing a busy mind. The combination of these botanical powerhouses in our chamomile lemonade iced tea delivers a delicious elixir designed to ease tension and promote restful sleep.
To invigorate the senses and add a refreshing twist, we introduce mint and ginger root to the mix. Mint's cool and crisp flavor pairs splendidly with the citrusy notes, while ginger root provides a hint of spiciness. These ingredients give the chamomile lemonade iced tea a revitalizing kick, awakening your taste buds and providing a refreshing sensation that lingers long after the last sip.
Now, for the fresh squeezed lemonade. If you’ve made this before, you can go ahead and skip this section, but if you haven’t, feel free to follow this simple step-by-step instruction.
What you’ll need:
- 4-6 large lemons
- 1 cup of granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 4 cups of cold water
- Ice cubes (optional)
- Lemon slices or mint sprigs for garnish (optional)
Step 1: Squeeze the Lemons (approximately 5 minutes)
- Roll each lemon on a hard surface using gentle pressure to release the juice.
- Cut each lemon in half.
- Using a lemon squeezer or your hands, extract the juice from the lemons into a pitcher or a bowl. Remove any seeds or pulp that may have fallen into the juice.
Step 2: Sweeten the Lemonade (approximately 5 minutes)
- Add 1 cup of granulated sugar to the pitcher with the lemon juice.
- Stir vigorously until the sugar is dissolved. If you prefer a less sweet lemonade, start with ¾ cup of sugar and add more if needed.
Step 3: Add Cold Water (less than 1 minute)
- Pour 4 cups of cold water into the pitcher with the lemon juice and sugar mixture.
- Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Adjust the water quantity according to your taste preferences, adding more for a milder flavor or less for a stronger lemon taste.
Step 4: Chill and Serve (2 hours)
- Place the pitcher of lemonade in the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- If desired, add ice cubes to individual glasses before pouring the lemonade.
- Give the pitcher a final stir before serving.
Step 5: Garnish and Enjoy (optional)
- To add an extra touch, garnish the glasses with lemon slices or a sprig of mint.
- Pour the chilled lemonade into the glasses, sit back, and enjoy the refreshing goodness of your freshly squeezed lemonade!
Fun tips:
- For a twist on traditional lemonade, consider adding a splash of sparkling water for some fizz.
- To make your lemonade more colorful, add a few drops of natural food coloring such as beet juice or raspberry puree.
- If you like a more tart flavor, use fewer lemons or add a squeeze of lime juice.
- Adjust the sweetness and tartness of the lemonade to your liking by adding more sugar or water as needed.
After you’ve brewed your tea and let it cool, and prepared your fresh squeezed lemonade, you can combine them and add some ice, grab a fun straw, and enjoy your delicious lemonade iced tea! This unique blend creates a harmonious balance of flavors that both soothes and rejuvenates. Whether you're seeking a moment of tranquility or a revitalizing boost, this elixir is sure to become your new favorite summer beverage. Cheers!
Juniper Culinary Apothecary teas, spice blends and other food products are not and shall not be considered food supplements in any circumstances. They do not ensure or supplement the daily vitamin intake and do not substitute a healthy diet.