Golden Hour Recipe

Brew and chill tea

Brew 1 cup of strong black tea (use 1 tea bag or 1 tsp loose tea per cup) for 4–5 minutes. Remove tea bag/strain leaves and chill until cold (or place in the freezer for 10–15 minutes to speed cooling).

Make or measure mango puree

If using fresh mango: peel and dice 1 medium mango, then blend until smooth and strain if desired to remove fibrous bits. Measure 3/4 cup puree. If using frozen mango, thaw and blend then measure.

Juice citrus

Juice fresh lemon and lime to obtain about 1 tablespoon each. Strain seeds or pulp if necessary.

Prepare simple syrup (if needed)

If your lemonade is not sweet enough, make simple syrup by combining equal parts sugar and hot water until sugar dissolves. Cool before using. Start with 1 teaspoon and adjust to taste.

In a large pitcher, combine 2 cups chilled lemonade and 1 cup chilled strong black tea. Stir gently to blend.

Add 3/4 cup mango puree, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice to the pitcher. Whisk or stir vigorously until the mango is fully incorporated and the mixture is uniform in color.

Add 8 fresh mint leaves to the pitcher. Gently bruise the leaves between your fingers or clap them in your palms to release aromatic oils before adding. Stir once to distribute.

Taste the mixture and add simple syrup 1 teaspoon at a time if additional sweetness is desired. Remember the lemonade already contributes sweetness; adjust to preference.

Fill serving glasses with ice (about 1/2 cup ice per 8-oz glass). Pour the Golden Hour mixture over ice, dividing evenly.

Garnish each glass with a sprig of fresh mint and, if desired, a thin wheel of lemon or lime on the rim. Serve immediately.