Iced tea

A most refreshing drink
when the weather is hot and humid

The British know all about making a “proper cup of tea”. However, when it comes to the iced variety we’re not so hot! I’m sure our American friends have lots of different recipes for iced tea – maybe they’ll send me some.

This is like a non-alcoholic Pimm's so it’s perfect for serving to drivers – or anybody at a picnic, young and old alike. Those who want alcohol could have Pimms - or Bucks Fizz if you want to use more of the orange juice in this recipe.

The British know all about making a “proper cup of tea”. However, when it comes to the iced variety we’re not so hot! I’m sure our American friends have lots of different recipes for iced tea – maybe they’ll send me some.

However, in the meantime, this recipe will serve 6 – 8. I suggest filling water bottles with it and freezing it to a slush. The mint sprigs for serving and the orange and lemon slices can be transported in a plastic bag and added to the drinks at the picnic.

• 6 strong tea bags
• 10 fl oz orange juice
• juice of half a lemon or lime
• approx. 12 sprigs of mint
• 2 tablespoons of sugar
• orange, lemon and/or lime slices
• lots of ice or cold water

Make up some very strong tea using the tea bags and 2 pints (1.2 litres) boiling water. Then add the sugar and half the mint.

Allow the tea to infuse for 15-20 minutes, then remove the tea bags and leave to go completely cold. When the tea is cold, remove the mint. Then mix the tea and the orange and lemon/lime juices with the rest of the mint.

If you’re serving it at home, fill a jug with ice and the tea mixture and pour into glasses with more ice and orange/lemon slices.

To transport to a picnic I suggest you fill water bottles with the mixture, without the mint for serving, diluted with cold water to taste, and then freeze or semi-freeze. Add the mint and fruit slices at the picnic. You can always add more ice if you’ve included an ice bucket with your picnic equipment.

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