| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 10 mins – 15 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 120 | 1g | 0g | 30g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 26g | 3g | 1g | 0g |
As a native Texan, I have a fondness for bold flavors and hearty homemade drinks, which is why I have such an affection for the sweet and tangy Pomegranate Iced Tea. This delightful concoction is the perfect balance of sweet and sour, with a bold color that brightens even the gloomiest of days. It’s the kind of recipe that feels both refreshing in the heat of a Texan summer, but is also comforting and familiar, reminiscent of a classic Southern sweet tea.
Refreshing and Healthful Sip
One of the reasons I love this Pomegranate Iced Tea recipe is that it’s not just delicious – it also offers a slew of health benefits. Pomegranates, for instance, are rich in antioxidants, which are believed to promote heart health and may help protect against chronic diseases. The tea, in particular, black tea, also has its own benefits. Studies have found that it can help boost your immune system, improve gut health and even lower stress levels.
Perfect Pairings
And let’s not forget how well this tea pairs with traditional Southern and Tex-Mex dishes! The sweet-tartness of the Pomegranate Iced Tea cuts through the richness of dishes like enchiladas, barbecued ribs or fried chicken, making for a balanced and enjoyable meal. It’s also a splendid companion to light salads and simple sandwiches. You could even serve it alongside a fresh fruit salad for a refreshing summer brunch.
Ultimately, whether you’re sipping it by the poolside on a sweltering summer day, or enjoying it with a good book by the porch swing, this Pomegranate Iced Tea recipe is a flavorful, refreshing and healthful choice. So, here’s to tasty and revitalizing homemade brews! Happy sipping…
What You’ll Need
- 6 pomegranates (for approximately 1.5 cups of juice)
- 6 bags of black tea
- 7.5 cups of water
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 orange (for zest and juice)
- Ice cubes
- Pomegranate seeds (for garnish)
- Mint leaves (for garnish)
Method
Step One
To begin with, carefully cut open the pomegranates and extract the juice from them. This can be achieved either by hand or using a juicer. The aim is to get approximately 1.5 cups of juice.
Step Two
Next, bring 7.5 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Once the water is boiling, add the black tea bags to the pot and allow them to steep for about 5 to 10 minutes. After steeping, remove the tea bags and set the tea aside to cool.
Step Three
While the tea is cooling, take an orange and using a zester, zest the entire orange. After zesting, cut the orange in half and squeeze out all of its juice.
Step Four
In a separate pot, combine the sugar with 1 cup of water. Place the pot on the stove on medium heat and stir continuously until the sugar is fully dissolved in the water and a syrup-like consistency is achieved.
Step Five
After the sugar has dissolved, add the orange zest and juice to the pot. Let the mixture simmer for a couple of minutes before removing it from heat.
Step Six
When the tea has cooled, mix in the pomegranate and orange juice as well as the syrup you prepared. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
Step Seven
Before serving, add ice cubes to the mixture and pour into glasses. Garnish each glass with a few pomegranate seeds and a sprig or two of mint leaves. Enjoy your refreshing pomegranate iced tea!
