Southern Iced Fruit Tea

by Amy on 29 May 2013

Southern Fruit TeaIs fruit tea a southern thing? I’m thinking so, because growing up in Boston, I don’t remember ever seeing it. It wasn’t until I moved to Tennessee (13 years ago!) that I started seeing it served at restaurants + cafes. I figured since I like both iced tea + fruit juice, I’d like fruit tea. And guess what – I was right! Except I didn’t just like it, I looooooved it. Now, any time I go to a restaurant + see fruit tea on the menu, I always order it. Every place has a slightly different recipe, but the theme remains the same – a blend of iced tea, fruit juices, + (sometimes) herbs or sweet spices.

To me, fruit tea is one of the most wonderful drinks ever. It’s got a perfect combination of sweet, tart, + citrusy flavors, + is beyond refreshing on warm, sunny days. I like mine served simply, over ice with some fruit slices + mint for garnish. But, if you’re wanting to make a fancier adults-only version, I bet it would make a great cocktail with rum! Either way, it’s quick + simple to whip up + makes a huge quantity, so it’s fantastic for all the parties, get-togethers, + cookouts that come with summertime. Give it a try – I promise you’ll love it as much as I do!

Southern Fruit Tea

Southern Fruit Tea

makes 15 cups of fruit tea, adapted from One Particular Kitchen

ingredients

two quart-size iced tea bags (I use the Tetley brand)
1 1/2 quarts (6 cups) boiling water
1 cinnamon stick
1 can (48 ounces) pineapple juice
1 can (12 ounces) frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
1 can (12 ounces) frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed
optional: orange or lemon slices + mint, for garnish

instructions

boil the water, then pour over the tea bags + cinnamon stick in a large pitcher. allow to steep for 15 minutes.

after steeping, discard the tea bags + cinnamon stick; stir in the frozen orange juice + frozen lemonade – stir until completely blended. add in the pineapple juice – stir until combined.

refrigerate until fully chilled. serve with plenty of ice + garnish with a lemon or orange slice + mint. enjoy!

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{ 57 comments… read them below or add one }

51 Brandy September 8, 2014 at 1:05 pm

Craving this tea, had it in Maryland while taking time off this summer. Thanks for providing your recipe.

52 amy September 8, 2014 at 2:33 pm

You’re so welcome, Brandy – hope you love it!

53 Judy July 13, 2016 at 10:30 am

I sure would like to know if you can use ready made tea, bought by the gallon and if so would you use sweet or unsweet??? I am no good at making tea, and believe me I am serious.

54 Amy July 13, 2016 at 4:01 pm

Hi Judy, Sure, you can make this with ready-made iced tea. I’d use unsweet, as the juices as quite a bit of sweetness themselves. Just use 6 cups of your ready-made tea instead. And since you won’t be able to steep it hot with a cinnamon stick, I’d add in a couple shakes of ground cinnamon (the equivalent of probably 1/8 teaspoon, not a ton!). And then proceed with the recipe as written. Enjoy!

55 Amy Renshaw August 9, 2016 at 12:08 pm

Tried this with half Chai tea (figured it would work well with the cinnamon) and it was awesome! Homey but refreshing, thanks for the recipe…reminds me of bread & co xo!

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