COOL DRINKS FOR THE SUMMER

                                                 

                                       

Summertime seems to be the season for picnics at the  lake and backyard cookouts.  We’ve had two family-neighborhood cookouts this summer.  So, I know that a meal is not complete without some type of cool refreshing drink.  Our nonalcoholic drink of choice was iced tea, but some people like lemonade better.  In researching to find something new to serve at our next gathering, I found this tea recipe where you combine equal parts of lemonade and tea.  It is called the Arnold Palmer and is considered the perfect picnic drink, but I think it would also do great at a cookout.  Since I love tea and lemonade, I thought combining them would be worth a try.

Iced Lemonade Tea recipe
10 cups of tea                                                              
3/4 cup sugar
6 oz frozen lemonade

Mix the sugar and lemonade together in a large bowl. Pour boiling tea over the top, let cool, and serve.

Since children seem to like fruity drinks, I thought this cool recipe might work for the kids.


Tea Punch recipe
2 parts cold tea
2 parts apple juice
1 part pineapple juice

Combine and serve with ice.  My thoughts were, if you blended it with ice, it might make a good smoothie.

Both recipes seem to be on the economical side and easy to make.  But, lets face it.  I am a tea drinker regardless of the weather.  I like it cold in the summer and hot in the winter.  On the cold days, nothing seems to hit the spot better than a nice cup of hot tea.  Of course, I have to add a squeeze of lemon.  American Girl agrees with me, because she loves having tea parties.  Her tea parties are a grand event of inviting friends over for tea and treats, so they can catch up on current events.  This rose tea set would be perfect for that "special tea time" and it can be purchased from "Nancy’s Doll Closet".  If you do not like this tea set, other tea sets are also available for purchase.  

     
ROSE BUD TEA SET

If you decide to try, or have already tried the tea recipes, let me know what you think about them.  Your opinion counts here.