The rains and the Nor’westers and the recent hail showers have brought much needed relief to Kolkatans after a scorching month, but any human living in the tropical realm knows that May is just the beginning of the sultry months. And nothing beats a cool, refreshing drink on a hot summer day. If it is a low-calorie, sugar free concoction — bonus points!
A quick and easy way to treat yourself to a drink that is deceptively simple to make but will give you all the fancy feels is a homemade iced tea. The best part, this recipe can be customised — fruity or fizzy, sugar free or sweet — to suit the tastebuds of everyone in the house, which means it is perfect for your house parties too.
The base: To create the ‘base’ of this ice tea, you will need your favourite loose-leaf tea, preferably Darjeeling and some water. Boil some water and brew a slightly stronger version of your favourite Darjeeling tea. Strain the tea and add some water. We recommend ½ cup of water for every one cup of tea. So if you have brewed four cups of tea, add two cups of water.
Let the brew cool down, transfer to a glass bottle and put it in the fridge to chill. This is the base for your drink and will stay fresh in the fridge for at least 2-3 days.
The customised cuppa: You can use this base to create multiple flavours and types of iced tea. Adding sugar to sweeten the drink is optional, and completely up to your tastebuds and eating habits. Here are some recommendations:
— Rumela Basu
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