Grandma Stinebaugh'S Ice Tea
A refreshing homemade iced tea infused with fresh peppermint and citrus, perfect for hot days and gatherings, offering a sweet and tangy flavor profile.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine water, tea bags, sugar, and peppermint in a pot.
- Bring to a boil, then turn off and let steep for 2 hours.
- Squeeze lemons and oranges into a 4-quart pitcher.
- Remove the peppermint from the tea and pour the tea into the pitcher.
- Add 6 cups of cold water to the pitcher.
- Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Pour over a glass of ice and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a stronger tea flavor, steep the tea bags longer than 2 hours, but avoid bitterness by not exceeding 4 hours. If fresh peppermint is unavailable, use a few drops of peppermint extract as a substitute. To reduce sugar, consider using honey or agave syrup, adjusting to taste. Also, feel free to experiment with different citrus fruits for a unique flavor twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this refreshing iced tea in tall glasses filled with ice for a perfect summer drink. Garnish with extra lemon and orange slices, or sprigs of fresh peppermint for a visually appealing touch. This iced tea pairs beautifully with Aileen'S Standing Rib Roast or a light salad like Cool Fruit Salad, making it a versatile option for gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover iced tea in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To keep it fresh, avoid adding ice to the pitcher; instead, add ice to individual glasses when serving. If you want to serve it warm later, gently reheat in a pot over low heat, making sure not to bring it to a boil again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma Stinebaugh'S Ice Tea contains roughly 353 calories, with 14g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (93% of the Daily Value), iron (84% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (60% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 17g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use green or herbal tea instead of black tea?
Absolutely! While traditional iced tea is made with black tea, you can experiment with green or herbal teas for different flavor profiles. Just keep in mind that steeping times may vary, so taste as you go to achieve your desired strength.
Is it possible to make this iced tea sugar-free?
Yes, you can make a sugar-free version by using a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol. Start with a smaller amount and adjust to your taste. Additionally, adding more citrus can enhance the sweetness naturally without added sugar.
How can I make this iced tea more fruity?
To enhance the fruity flavor, consider adding slices of other fruits such as strawberries, peaches, or limes to the pitcher. You can also infuse the tea with additional citrus zest during the steeping process for a stronger fruit essence.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).