Peach Iced Tea

We want thirst quenching coolers in the blazing summers of tropical countries,especially India.It is required in other countries as well where the heat increases in the summers.Everyone runs away from hot tea having given it and coffee a place as breakfast items .Sometimes they are also replaced by a glass of fruit juice.So I thought mixing both of them could be a great idea!Take a summer fruit and mingle it with brewed black tea for a refreshing taste!

These days Iced Teas are very popular with almost all the major Coffee outlets as well as restaurants offering it in some version.You have Strawberry,Mint,Lemon,Grape and Peach Iced teas as I made and it really refreshes you!Serve it with a sprig of Mint and light snacks like Crackers for a great tea time experience!

Lovely Peaches of the season!

Preparation Time : 1 hour

Makes : 4 servings

INGREDIENTS

5 Peaches – ripe but firm

1 1/2 cups sugar

2 1/2 cups water

For the tea brew :

1/2 liter water

2 tbsp loose mild tea or bags (I used pure and mild Darjeeling Tea)

Ice cubes to serve

Mint to Garnish (optional)

METHOD

To make the Peach Syrup :

Take 4 Peaches and chop into cubes or dices.

Heat the 2 1/2 cups of water in a saucepan on medium heat with the sugar and stir till sugar dissolves.Add the chopped Peaches and cook till they turn soft and can be easily mashed.The syrup will acquire a beautiful golden yellow colour.Mash the Peaches with a potato masher and take off heat.Let it come to room temperature.Filter the syrup through a sieve into a small jug or bowl and keep aside till required.

The beautiful Peach Syrup..

To brew the tea :

Heat water in a saucepan on high heat and let it come to a rolling boil.Add tea leaves and reduce the heat to medium – low.Let the tea leaves infuse in the water for 5 minutes.Take off heat and cook to room temperature.Filter through a tea strainer into a separate jug.

To make the Peach Iced Tea :

Slice the remaining Peach into thin and round slices.Keep 4 for decorating the rim of the glass and the rest to float in the tea.

Pour 2-3 tbsp syrup into a serving glass.

Pour the brewed tea to fill 3/4 of the glass.

Float 2 Peach slices and decorate the rim of the glass with one big slice.Add 4 -5 Ice cubes as required.Garnish with a Mint Leaf if desired.Serve!

Peach Iced Tea..

Eye catching captures..

The table set with brewed tea,syrup,ice and a peach for decoration and 2 lovely glasses!To say nothing of the delicious Crackers!

The tea being poured into the glass captured by zoom lens!