Flavored Tea Recipe

Boil water and steep

Bring 4 cups of fresh water to a boil. Remove from heat and let sit 30 seconds if using green tea (or use full boil if using black tea). Add 4 tea bags to the hot water and steep: 2–3 minutes for green tea, 3–5 minutes for black tea, depending on desired strength. Do not over-steep green tea to avoid bitterness.

After steeping, remove and discard tea bags. Stir in 2 tablespoons granulated sugar or simple syrup while the tea is still warm if you prefer a sweetened flavored tea. Taste and adjust sweetness as needed.

Allow the brewed tea to cool to room temperature (about 20–30 minutes) or transfer to the refrigerator to chill for 15–20 minutes if you plan to serve iced.

For purees: If using fresh fruit (banana, mango, strawberry, peach), blend the fruit until smooth. Strain if you want a smoother texture (optional). Use 1/4 cup puree per 4 cups tea for a pleasant fruit presence; increase slightly for stronger flavor.

For coconut, passion fruit, lychee, pineapple: use syrup or juice for quick mixing. If using canned lychee, lightly mash 2–3 tablespoons to release juice. For passion fruit pulp, include seeds for texture or strain for smoothness.

If combining flavors, keep total added flavor volume to about 1/4–1/2 cup per 4 cups tea so the tea remains balanced. Example combos: mango + passion fruit (2 tbs + 2 tbs), peach + strawberry (3 tbs + 2 tbs), coconut + pineapple (2 tbs + 3 tbs).

In a pitcher, add the cooled brewed tea. Add your chosen flavor(s) in the measured amounts (see ingredients). Stir thoroughly to combine. Taste and adjust: add more puree or syrup in 1 tablespoon increments if you want stronger flavor, or more tea if it becomes too strong.

If serving iced: fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the flavored tea over ice. If serving hot: gently warm the tea mixture on low (do not boil) until hot, then serve.

Garnish each serving with a lemon or lime slice and 2 fresh mint leaves if desired.