Prepared Iced Tea

Nowadays  commercial sweet teas have all type of artificial flavors, colors and a big amount of sugar for only a couple of ounces that merely fill a cup; most of the time the constant or excess consume on such beverages can lead to obesity, diabetes and other health problems.

So why not try to reduce the ingest of artificial substances? Besides rarely of those drinks do contain juice or tea. Make your own sweet & cold drink knowing the ingredients and procedure, also comparing the small bottles of bought tea to a homemade 2 liter tea it comes waaaay cheaper.

Since I've been making my own beverages instead of buying them, I have become more aware of how much sugar I'm drinking and the insume has been less because hey who would want to prepare every day sugary tea?! Less I drink more days I have something in the fridge knowing I could feast on during a break.

Prepared Iced Tea recipe:

Ingredients                                                               Preparing time: 15-20 mins    Servings: 4-5   

• 2 liters of water
• 4 standard green tea bags
• 1 stick of cinnamon (4-5 in)
• 1/3 cup of honey
• 10 cloves
• Lemon/Lime juice
• (Optional) Fresh Mint or Basil leaves

Step 1: Boil water. Add green tea bags, stick of cinnamon (crushed) and 5 cloves.

Step 2: Remove water from heat, let the flavors of spices infuse for a couple of minutes; pour honey and stir until it dissolves; squeeze a lemon/lime in order to achieve a fresh gulp of that drink.

Step 3: Strain tea with a colander to get rid of those pieces of cinnamon and cloves. Pour in a jar, throw the 5 left cloves into it, let cool, serve with fresh mint or basil (if available) & enjoy!

Nothing out of this world but healthier... 

*Note: before serving, stir the tea because the honey may seat on the bottom of the jar.