Iced Mint Tea with Fresh Mint Syrup

Ingredients

• granulated white sugar (The same volume as the chopped mint leaves; the amount depends on the size of the mint container.)
• fresh mint (A large container; for the syrup, remove the stems and chop the leaves. For the tea, use approximately 4–5 cups of leaves, or more if needed.)
• 4 lemons (Juice of 3–5 lemons; the quantity of 4 represents the midpoint of the stated range.)
• 7 qt water (Approximately 6–8 quarts, depending on the planned amount of tea.)
• 1.5 pudełka tea bags, such as Lady Grey (The author specifies 1–2 boxes or more; the midpoint of the range is used. The number of tea bags per box is not specified.)
• water for the syrup (Optional; a little water can be added to speed up liquefaction of the syrup.)

Steps

1. 1

   For the syrup, strip the mint leaves from the stems, then finely chop them.

2. 2

   In a clean jar, layer the chopped mint and sugar, maintaining equal volume proportions.

3. 3

   Add the juice of 3–5 lemons and gently press down on the ingredients.

4. 4

   Seal the jar and refrigerate for 48–72 hours. Stir the contents once a day. To speed up liquefaction, add a little lemon juice or water.

5. 5

   Once the syrup has liquefied, strain it and store it in the refrigerator.

6. 6

   To prepare the tea, bring approximately 6–8 quarts of water to a boil, depending on how much tea you want to make.

7. 7

   Remove the water from the heat and add 1–2 boxes or more of your favorite tea bags; the source uses Lady Grey.

8. 8

   Allow the tea to steep completely. The source does not specify a steeping time.

9. 9

   Add the mint leaves—the author uses approximately 4–5 cups, but you can add more. Gently press the leaves into the water.

10. 10

    Allow the mint to steep; the source does not specify a steeping time.

11. 11

    Strain the tea and refrigerate it.

12. 12

    Pour the chilled tea into a glass and add mint syrup to taste.

Notes

The amount of sugar and mint for the syrup depends on the size of the container; the source recommends equal volume proportions but does not provide specific measurements. The exact steeping times for the tea and mint are not specified. Store the syrup in the refrigerator.

Nutrition per serving

• beverage
• vegetarian
• gluten-free
• dairy-free
• alcohol-free
• make-ahead
• cold