ISLAND ICED TEA RECIPES

Steps:

• For the sour mix: Combine 3 cups water, the sugar and the lime, lemon and orange zests in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Cook until the sugar is completely melted. Remove from the heat and let steep in the refrigerator until very cold and the flavor has infused for at least 2 hours and up to 24 hours.
• Strain the cold syrup into a pitcher and add the lemon and lime juices.
• For the long island iced tea: Combine 2 cups of the sour mix, the gin, rum, tequila, triple sec, vodka and lemon, lime and orange slices in a pitcher. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 24 hours.
• Serve in tall glasses over crushed ice with a splash of cola if desired

Steps:

• Bring water to light boil, turn off heat add the hibiscus flowers and cinnamon sticks. Cover and steep for 20 minutes.
• Strain tea into desired container, add sugar and orange slices and serve over ice. Garnish each glass with a lemon slice.
• Chef Notes: This tea recipe can easily be doubled for a larger serving. When using herbs in tea making, longer is not better. Heating the herbs for extended time can release unfavorable qualities and bitterness found in herbs. The key is to add MORE herbs to strengthen flavor.