"iced tea recipes" news and stories

Happy National Iced Tea Day!

Served cold since the early 1800s, ice tea remains a popular favorite, particularly when served over ice on hot summer days. While the first American iced teas -- predecessors of the boozy Long Island iced tea -- were typically spiked with liquor (and appropriately called "punches"), today they're mostly flavored by a plethora of refreshing pairings. Peruse our recommended recipes below for some summery alternatives to the tired lemon iced tea:

• Thai Lemongrass and Ginger Iced Tea (pictured at left)
• Rooibois Iced Tea
• Black Cherry Green Iced Tea
• Mint and Lime Iced Tea
• Bourbon Mint Tea
• Thai Iced Tea
• Boston Iced Tea with Cranberry

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Rooibos Iced Tea. Photo: The Skinny Chef

Homemade iced tea is perfect for quenching your thirst on a sweltering summer day. Make it ahead and keep a big pitcher in your fridge to sip as the mercury rises.

My pick this summer is red bush. If you're craving flavor, it comes in vanilla, orange, peach and even red bush chai. If you can't find your favorite, try adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract, lemon or orange zest or a cinnamon stick while the tea is steeping.

Get Jennifer's Red Bush Iced Tea recipe and learn about its health benefits after the jump.