Refreshing Sun Tea

Summer hasn't come to The Nutmeg State yet, but yesterday, as temperatures soared close to 80 degrees, we had a lovely taste of what's coming our way... eventually. (Today we're lucky to hit 60 degrees.)

While we were outside cleaning up the property and planting and replanting smallish things -- I am no Green Thumb, that's my husband who was on his way back from a medical convention in Vegas -- I thought it a perfect day to make some sun tea. I love iced tea and sun tea is not only super easy to make but the kids love to watch the tea gradually darken in the sun!

You'll need a pitcher and approximately 8 cups of ice cold water. You can use tap water or bottled water. You'll need 1 tea bag per cup of water. Bring your pitcher outside and let it sit for an hour or so until it turns the color desired. And it's ready to serve!

If you like your tea sweetened you can easily make a simple syrup, which is in essence sugar water. To do this you'll need one part water to two parts sugar, 1 cup of water to 2 cups of sugar. Pour both into a saucepan and bring to a boil. As soon as the mixture boils, stir the sugar water and remove from heat. (I like to place mine in the freezer to cool for a bit.)

Pour iced tea into glasses and add desired amount of simple syrup (a teaspoon or two) into glasses and garnish with fruit.

My kids were drooling over the Sparkling Sangria I made the other day, so I garnished their teas to resemble the sangria. The bonus about adding the fruit is that they eat it!

If you wish add some fresh fruit such as orange, lemon or lime slices. If peaches or raspberries are your flavor of choice add them. Anything goes.