Suncruiser Ice Tea Recipe

1. Brew concentrated black tea

Bring 960 ml of water to a rolling boil. Remove from heat and add the 4 black tea bags (or the equivalent loose-leaf tea in an infuser). Steep for 6 minutes for a robust flavor, then remove the tea bags or strain out the leaves. While the tea is still hot, stir in 120 g granulated sugar until fully dissolved to make a sweet tea concentrate. Let the concentrated tea cool to room temperature (about 20–30 minutes) or place in the refrigerator to chill faster (15–20 minutes).

2. Add brightener

Once the tea concentrate is warm or cooled, stir in 60 ml fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavor. Taste and adjust — if you prefer it tarter, add another 5–10 ml lemon juice.

3. While the tea cools, prepare the fruit. Thinly slice 1 orange and 1 lemon. Place the 150 g pineapple chunks in a blender and pulse 1–2 times to slightly break them up (do not fully purée; you want some texture). Add 15 ml fresh lime juice to the pineapple and stir. Reserve a few fruit slices for garnish.

4. Combine the prepared orange and lemon slices and the lightly crushed pineapple with the cooled tea concentrate. Stir gently to distribute fruit pieces through the tea. Let the mixture sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld (up to 2 hours).

5. When ready to serve, fill a large pitcher halfway with 4 cups of ice cubes. Pour the chilled tea-fruit mixture over the ice, then add 720 ml cold sparkling water (or club soda) and stir gently to combine. Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity: if too sweet, add a splash more sparkling water; if too tart, stir in 1–2 teaspoons sugar dissolved in a little warm water.

6. Add the 10 fresh mint leaves to the pitcher and gently bruise a few leaves by clapping them between your palms before adding to release aroma. Add reserved orange or lemon slices as garnish.

7. Serve the Suncruiser Ice Tea in tall glasses over additional ice if desired, making sure each glass receives some fruit pieces and a mint sprig. Keeps refrigerated for up to 24 hours; add extra sparkling water before serving if it has gone flat.