Sparkling Greek Mint & Earl Grey Citrus Iced Tea

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HELPFUL TIP: Tea, especially herbal tea, is one of the seminal ingredients in the Ikarian longevity diet. Many herbal teas contain specific therapeutic benefits and are diuretic, which means they help combat hypertension. But black tea such as Earl Grey also has its benefits. Black tea can aid heart health and diabetes and is high in antioxidants, among other benefits. And, having a pitcher of delicious iced tea on hand is reason to invite over a friend and celebrate the simple pleasures of life, another secret to living long and well. Always store your iced tea in a glass pitcher or mason jar, and not in plastic or metal containers. Plastic absorbs and releases flavors, while metal will definitely impart a tinny, metallic taste, especially pronounced with black teas, which are tannic.

Course beverage, drink, tea

Cuisine Greek

Keyword Earl Grey citrus iced tea, Greek mint tea, mint citrus tea, refreshing summer drink, sparkling iced tea recipe

PREP TIME 15 minutes

SERVES 2 quarts (2 l)

Ingredients

4 earl grey tea bags
1 Tbsp dried mint preferably Greek, or 5 to 6 sprigs fresh mint
2 cups boiling water
2 medium oranges
1 medium lemon
2 cups fresh orange juice
¼ cup lemon juice
3 Tbsp Greek honey or maple syrup
750 ml seltzer chilled
Ice cubes
Additional fresh mint for garnish optional

Instructions

Place tea bags and dried or fresh mint in a teapot and add boiling water. Cover and steep for 5 minutes. Discard the tea bags and strain the tea into a pitcher.
Peel and section 2 oranges and 1 lemon and add to tea. Stir in the orange juice, lemon juice and maple syrup (or honey). Cover and refrigerate for 6 hours or overnight.
Just before serving, strain and discard fruit from tea. Stir in the seltzer. Serve over ice, garnished with additional fresh mint if desired.