Word on the street is there’s snow in Ontario — however I’m in British Columbia for the summer and it’s iced tea weather here. This recipe is the perfect beverage for lounging around on a hot, sunny day. It’s also nice to have it ready in the fridge in case you’re surprised by some guests. In terms of health benefits this refreshing drink is low in sugar and rich in anti-oxidants.

My sister Robyn is the one to thank for creating this homemade recipe.

Ingredients:

-       4 Tazo Passion Fruit tea bags

-       2 tea bags of green tea

-       Kettle full of boiling water

-       2 tbsp of liquid sugar (such as natural maple syrup or honey); or for a non-sugar option use 1-2 packets of Splenda

-       2 small limes, or 1 lemon, or ½ lime and ½ lemon

-       Approximately ¼ cup of 100% pure raspberry juice

-       Ice cubes

Ingredient variations:

Add one ounce of raspberry or lime vodka to a glass of the juice.

For a non-caffeinated version, use two mango herbal tea bags instead of green tea.

Directions:

1. Cut limes in half

2. Squeeze lemons or limes with a citrus press or by hand

3. Pour boiling water over all of the tea bags in a small to medium sized pot and let steep for 10 minutes. It’s important that the tea is potent as the ice added later will dilute the mixture.

4. Add maple syrup or other sweetener and stir

5. Pour raspberry juice into the jug that already has the lime juice in it

Amount of raspberry juice to use

6. Remove and squeeze tea bags

7. Fill jug 3/4 full of ice and pour tea over the ice

Garnish with fruit, soak up some sun and enjoy!