Red, White & Blue Tea
Gas up the grill, dust off the picnic table cloth and buy an extra box of sparklers. Beyond the usual fourth of July activities, I will be brewing 3 festive pitchers of iced tea to serve as the center piece of my fourth of July meal. If you haven’t already guessed, the three pitchers of iced tea will consist of a red tea, white tea and blue tea.
First, make enough ice to add once the tea cools. Then just grab three glass pitchers, one package of blue food coloring, and these three teas:
Red Tea-Pistachio Apple Pie Rooibos Tea
“The crisp sweet taste of ripe apples blended with the richness of almonds, pistachio nuts, and red Rooibos tea.”
Use 1.5 teaspoons of tea per 8oz of water. Heat water to 208 degrees and steep for 5-6 minutes
Please tell me what’s more American than apple pie? Although it will not brew to a pure shade of Red, I think it’s close enough. Although, if you are feeling super patriotic you could always add a few drops of red food coloring. This sweet and nutty Rooibos tea is caffeine free and can be enjoyed as the night is winding down.
White Tea-Precious White Peach White Tea
“An incredibly smooth blend of delicious peach pieces and downy white tea buds.”
Use 1.5 teaspoons of tea with 8oz of water. Heat water to 175-180 degrees and steep for 1-1.5 minutes.
Beyond the summery white peach pieces, this white tea is bursting with flavor thanks to its other ingredients, such as apple bits, rosehips, candied pineapple bits (with sugar), sunflowers, Roman chamomile and lemon myrtle leaves. Although filled with flavorful bits, this tea remains true to it’s white tea and peach accents. The aroma will draw a crowd!
Blue Tea-Imperial Acai Blueberry White Tea
“white tea and ’superfoods’ blueberries, acai and black currant are combined in this royal treat. One sip unveils the subtle undertones of white grape, hibiscus flower and rare rosehips.”
Use 1.5 teaspoons of tea per 8 ounces of water. Heat water to 175 degrees and steep for 2 minutes.
Although there are many teas infused with fabulous blueberry bits, I chose another white tea since it will serve as the best base for the blue food coloring you might considering adding to give it a true blue appearance.
Just brew, cool to room temperature, add a bit of food coloring, ice, serve and enjoy the tasty (and might I add healthy) chill at your sunny celebration!
Happy 4th of July Weekend! Cheers!