Herbal Iced Tea

This is the time of year that we start phasing out of hot cocoa (although it did actually snow yesterday morning so perhaps I shouldn’t be too hasty) and begin thinking about cool, refreshing beverages that quench our thirst after a day spent in the garden or on a warm spring evening relaxing out on the deck.  As much as I love a Gimlet or a Margarita during the spring and summer months, I do like to offer our guests a non-alcoholic option when entertaining plus something to offer our younger crowd so this recipe for herbal iced tea is the perfect solution.  The other week, we hosted a brunch for our twelve year old daughter and her friends and I served this iced tea in champagne glasses with polka dot straws….they thought this was very fancy.  I was pleasantly surprised when everyone asked for seconds so ever since, I’ve been making a fresh batch every few days for my own kids and they can’t seem to get enough!  It tastes best when served over ice with lemon wedges but don’t worry about needing sugar.  The recipe calls for four cups of pure apple juice so it’s already naturally sweet.  You can also substitute different kinds of herbal tea….sometimes I use raspberry zinger or peach tea instead and it tastes just as delightful.  The kids are already talking about selling it once we resurrect our annual lemonade stand….they have big plans (although truth be told, my lovely neighbor across the street magnanimously ends up being their main/only customer)… regardless, I’m quite impressed with their entrepreneurial spirit!