Iced Tea Recipes - Iced and Spiced Cranberry Tea

This is delicious recipe and can be enjoyed served over ice during the summer, or served hot in winter. It is also a very good recipe for helping to alleviate the symptoms of hay fever or the common cold, probably due to the anti bacterial qualities of the cinnamon and cloves. The peppercorns are the magic ingredients which give a wonderful spicy kick to your ice cold tea! Just perfect on a hot summer's day.

Ingredients to serve four people

2 cups of black tea - made with two teaspoons black tea and two cups water
2 cups cranberry juice - use a good quality brand as it will give the best results.
1 cinnamon stick
12 black peppercorns
6 cloves
Lots of ice cubes or crushed ice. Sugar to taste. Tall glasses. Orange or lemon slices.

Method ( for iced tea)

1. Make the black tea. Strain the tea leaves and put the liquid to one side.
2. Put the cinnamon, peppercorns and cloves in a saucepan with the cranberry juice and black tea.
3. Bring to the boil and simmer for 5-10 minutes so that the spices release their flavour.
4. Strain the mixture and discard the spices.
5. Either put the cranberry tea in the fridge to cool or serve immediately.

To serve: Ppour over ice cubes into a long glass. Add sugar to taste if necessary. Garnish with a slice of orange or lemon if you like. Enjoy!!!

For a winter hot toddy, or if you're feeling under the weather, simply strain the heated tea and cranberry mixture into a mug and sweeten with honey to taste. If it's too strong add a little more boiling water.

I have a feeling that a spiced tea made using pomegranate juice instead of cranberry might be a delicious alternative. I'll experiment and see what I come up with. Watch this space!