The early heat of this summer calls for cool refreshment!  I love iced tea and have taken a liking to using green tea as a lighter alternative to traditional varieties.  Try this sun-brewed recipe for my Honey, Mint and Ginger tea to add flavor and sweetness for a perfect summer afternoon or a little happy hour cocktail with the addition of vodka and a splash of soda water.

HMG Iced Green Tea

Ingredients

• 2 Quarts Water
• 4 Green Tea Bags
• 1/4 Cup Honey
• 1 “Thumb” Fresh Ginger
• 3 Large Sprigs Fresh Mint

Instructions

• Peel a thumb-sized piece of fresh ginger and cut into slices.
• In a small saucepan, combine two cups water, honey and ginger.  Bring to a boil and then turn down to let simmer for 5 minutes.
• In a large glass pitcher, combine remaining water, tea bags, mint and honey/ginger liquid.
• Cover pitcher with plastic wrap and place outside in the sun.  Allow to step for at least 4 hours.
• Remove tea bags and mint.  You can also remove ginger pieces, but I like to leave them in to continue to flavor the mixture.
• Serve over ice.

If you’re feeling like a cocktail, add 2 ounces of good vodka to an ice-filled glass, fill 3/4 with tea and then top with soda water.  Garnish with mint sprigs and an orange slice.  Either way you make it, sit back, sip and enjoy!!