Tropical Fruit-Infused Iced Tea

By davidv

This drink is a must for every summer picnic, beach gathering, or party. It's cool and refreshing and sure to transport you to an island getaway.

Tip: Feel free to use your favorite tea; it doesn’t have to be flavored. Or, substitute the suggested chopped fruit with other fruits of your preference.

Ingredients

• 4 cups water
• 12 mango or tropical fruit flavored tea bags
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 2 cups pineapple juice
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1 cup store-bought sweetened lemonade
• 1 cup fresh mangoes, chopped
• 1 cup strawberries, chopped

Preparation

Step 1

Pour 4 cups of water into a pot and bring it to a boil. Turn off the heat and add the tea bags. Let the bags steep for 10 minutes and then remove them. Do not squeeze. Stir in the sugar until dissolved.

Pour the mixture into a large pitcher and chill for 2 hours. Meanwhile, arrange the chopped mangoes and strawberries in the compartments of two ice cube trays. Then, pour 1-3/4 cups of the tea over the fruit and freeze for three hours, or until solid.

While the ice is freezing, pour 2-1/4 cups of tea into another pitcher, add the orange and pineapple juices, as well as the lemonade, and put the mixture back into the refrigerator until serving time.

When you're ready for the tea, pour the tea mixture into a large pitcher or punch bowl and add the ice cubes. Serve immediately.