Ski Tea
Ski Tea is a warm, spiced citrus beverage with aromatic cinnamon and cloves, perfect for cozy gatherings or winter celebrations, offering a delightful blend of flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring 25 cups of water to a boil.
- Tie cinnamon and cloves in a cheesecloth with a string to form a spice bag.
- Add the spice bag to the boiling water.
- Add the 5 orange pekoe tea bags and let steep for 3 minutes.
- Remove the tea bags from the water.
- Add the juice of 6 oranges and 3 lemons to the pot.
- Add 1-1/2 pounds of sugar and stir well until dissolved.
- Serve hot in a punch bowl.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider steeping the tea bags and spice bag for an additional few minutes. Adjust the sugar to your taste—if you prefer less sweetness, start with 1 pound and add more if needed. You can substitute orange pekoe with any black tea, or try a herbal blend for a caffeine-free version. Adding a splash of brandy can also enhance warmth on cold days.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Ski Tea hot in a punch bowl for gatherings, garnished with orange or lemon slices for a refreshing touch. It pairs beautifully with sweet treats like Tea Puffs or even savory snacks like Deer Steak Fingers. This drink is perfect for winter celebrations or cozy evenings with friends and family.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Ski Tea in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling the tea again as it can alter the flavor. Serve it warm for best enjoyment, especially on chilly days.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ski Tea contains roughly 487 calories, with 7g protein, 80g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (84% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. It also contributes 10g 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 make Ski Tea in advance for a party?
Yes, you can prepare Ski Tea a day ahead of time. After making it, let it cool before refrigerating. When ready to serve, gently reheat it on the stove, stirring to combine any settled ingredients. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully and makes it convenient for entertaining.
Is there a way to make Ski Tea less sweet?
Absolutely! To reduce sweetness, start with 1 pound of sugar and taste as you go. You can also omit the sugar entirely or replace it with a natural sweetener like honey or agave syrup, adjusting the amount according to your preference while maintaining the balance of flavors.
Can I use fresh spices instead of ground ones?
Yes, using fresh spices can elevate the flavor of your Ski Tea. If using fresh cinnamon sticks and whole cloves, steep them in the boiling water for a few extra minutes to extract their full flavor. Just remember to adjust the steeping time as fresh spices may require longer to infuse.
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).