All right, guys. It’s hot. Like, REALLY hot out.

I know it’s summer and that it happens every year, but invariably that first heat wave seems to take us all by surprise. Suddenly everyone practically teleports to their closets, hauling out shorts, sandals and beach towels and then flees for the nearest body of water…usually without sunscreen. You know what’s worse than that first summer sunburn?

NOTHING. ABSOLUTELY NOTHING.

Thankfully, we have something that might soothe that burning slap-in-the-ego: a nice frosty glass of iced tea. This might come as a surprise to some of you, but iced tea is not only an American invention, it’s also easy, delicious, and goes REALLY well with this heavy, humid weather.

As we recover from this year’s fine Fourth of July, let’s raise a glass to the burning noise and colored fire with which we celebrate our great nation (and try not to think about it TOO ironically) and offer up our own sparkling refreshment.

Iced Tea Sparkler

• 1 cup of brewed nilgiri tea, chilled
• 1 tablespoon of sugar, or simple syrup (optional)
• Ice
• Plain seltzer

Brew your tea in the normal fashion and stir in the sugar. Allow the brew to come to room temperature and then chill it in the fridge.

Build your drink the way you might build a fancy cocktail – add several ice cubes to a Collins glass and fill ¾ with chilled tea. Top it off with cold seltzer water. Add a paper umbrella, perhaps some skewered fruit, and go STRUT. 😉

The seltzer gives this otherwise classic iced tea a little fizzy fun! Flavored teas work great in this: give Coconut or Plums & Pears a try if you’re looking for a twist, or Moroccan Mint if you want something super refreshing with a pseudo-mojito flair! And if you want to keep your tea pretty and clear, have patience and let it cool naturally rather than sticking it in the fridge fresh off the brew – a fast chill will cloud it up. Though if you’re thirsty right now, it won’t affect the taste at all, so… go for it!

There are many ways to beat the heat, but this is one of our favorites – from our kitchen, to yours. We wish you an excellent holiday, and a safe and cool summer!

Heather

Team Wanderlust