Skip the store-bought blends and whip up this vibrant apricot iced tea in minutes! Just 5 ingredients (including black tea and sunshine-sweet apricots/juice) are all you need for a refreshingly fruity sip.
Recipe Highlights
- Fresh or Fancy: Use juicy apricots from your backyard or pick up some apricot nectar for a quick twist.
- Easy Breezy: No fancy equipment needed, just a pot and a pitcher!
- Sweet & Tangy: Customize the sweetness to your liking and add a touch of lemon for a zesty kick.
Ingredient Notes
- Fresh Apricots: Choose ripe, fragrant apricots for the best flavor. You can use them whole, sliced, or mashed into a puree.
- Apricot Nectar: If fresh apricots aren’t available, store-bought nectar is a great alternative. Opt for unsweetened varieties and adjust the sugar to taste.
- Black Tea: Any black tea will do, but try Earl Grey for a hint of bergamot or Ceylon for a stronger flavor.
- Honey or Sugar: Choose your preferred sweetener, or skip it altogether if you like your iced tea tart.
- Lemon (optional): A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a bright, refreshing touch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Fresh apricots: Wash and pit the apricots, then mash them into a puree. You can also pulse them in a food processor for a smoother texture.
- Simmer: Add the puree, water, and honey (or sugar/simple syrup) to a saucepan and bring to a simmer. Let it bubble gently for 5 minutes.
- Brew the tea: Steep your chosen tea bags in hot water for 5-10 minutes, depending on desired strength.
- Combine and chill: Pour the tea into a pitcher, add the apricot puree or nectar, and lemon juice. Stir well and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for maximum flavor.
- Serve up sunshine: Fill a glass with ice, pour in the chilled tea, and garnish with a fresh apricot slice or mint sprig (optional).
Expert Tips
- Let the tea cool slightly before adding the apricot mixture, or it might lose its vibrant color.
- Want a fizzy twist? Add some sparkling water or club soda.
Storing and Preserving
Store leftover iced tea in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it in ice cube trays for a quick summer treat!
Interesting Facts
- Apricots are a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and fiber.
- They were first cultivated in China over 2,000 years ago!
Questions You May Have
1. Can I use frozen apricots?
Absolutely! Just thaw them first and drain any excess liquid.
2. What if I don’t have a blender?
You can mash the apricots with a fork or potato masher.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Sure! Just brew the tea, let it cool, and combine with the apricot mixture. Store in the fridge until ready to serve.
4. Can I use green tea instead of black tea?
Absolutely! Green tea will give your iced tea a lighter, more delicate flavor.
5. Can I make this recipe without sugar?
Yes. The natural sweetness of the apricots might be enough for you. Just taste and adjust as needed or add unsweetened nectar, if using..
6. What can I serve this iced tea with?
It’s delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with grilled chicken, salads, or even dessert!
Apricot Iced Tea
Course: Drinks3
servings5
minutes5
minutes144
kcal10
minutesQuick and refreshing apricot iced tea, perfect for hot summer days.
Ingredients
3 cups water
2 black tea bags
1/2 cup fresh apricot puree or 1 cup apricot nectar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1-2 tablespoon honey or sugar (to taste)
Ice
Directions
- Bring 2 cup water to a boil. Steep tea bags for 5-10 minutes.
- Remove tea bags and let cool slightly.
- In a pitcher, combine tea, apricot puree or nectar, and lemon juice. Stir well.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor.
- Serve over ice with a fresh apricot slice or mint sprig (optional).
- For Puree
- If using fresh apricots, mash them up or pulse them into a puree. Add the puree, 1 cup water, and honey (or sugar/simple syrup) to a saucepan and bring to a simmer. Let it bubble gently for 5 minutes.
Notes
- Avoid mushy or bruised apricots (if using fresh fruit). They'll make the iced tea cloudy and bitter.
- Don't steep the tea for too long, or it will become bitter.
- Leftover iced tea can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- If you want to preserve the apricot puree for later use, freeze it in ice cube trays. Then, you can easily add it to iced tea, smoothies, or yogurt.