Refreshing Apple and Ginger Iced Green Tea

Phew! We’ve had such a hot, sticky heat wave recently, and that can only mean one thing…

IT’S SUMMERTIME!!!

And the living is indeed easy.

One of my favourite parts about summer is making iced teas. They are an easy way to stretch my creativity, letting me mix and match different flavours in my pot, like making a potion cocktail! For this, I’ve taken inspiration from a bottle of ginger cordial given to me by Buderim Ginger. It’s not too spicy, and just lends a refreshing kick to a simple Apple Green Tea, and instantly transports you to a balmy afternoon by the pool!

Apple and Ginger Iced Green Tea
Serves 4

4 tbsp Apple Green Tea*
3 tbsp vanilla sugar
1 sprig fresh mint
125ml (1/2 cup) Ginger flavoured cordial (I used Buderim’s Ginger Refresher Cordial)
500ml hot water (about 80C)

Fresh mint and green apple to garnish, if desired.

*I used an Apple Green Tea that I’ve purchased from Oriental Teahouse in Melbourne. If you don’t have this, simply use plain green tea leaves mixed with dried apple pieces.

To make the tea, bring 500ml water to the boil, and leave for a few minutes to cool slightly. Freshly boiled water can burn green tea, leaving a bitter aftertaste. Steep apple green tea with freshly torn mint leaves for about 20 minutes.

Strain the mixture and discard the leaves. Mix in the sugar to the warm tea. Leave to cool to room temperature before mixing in the ginger cordial. Refrigerate overnight to chill.

Serve over ice.

This recipe makes a pretty strong tea, which is meant to get diluted as the ice melts when you pour the tea over it. Also, feel free to adjust the sweetness and strength to however you like – this summer drink is all about relaxing!

Also, in celebration of all things ginger, Buderim is also on the search for Australia’s hottest Ginger! If you think you’ve got what it takes, simply head over to http://www.thegingernet.com to enter.

Insatiable Munchies was given samples of Buderim ginger products for consideration.