by Christine Bruness

Created on: June 26, 2008   Last Updated: March 05, 2012

"Rose's Ultimate Tall Cool One"

A Lemon Mint Iced Tea Recipe

Nothing oozes of summer refreshment more than a tall cold glass of iced tea. As a kid growing up in New Jersey, I learned early on from my grandmother, Rose, how to make the perfect glass of summer iced tea. I will gladly share this recipe with you.

In the 1970s and 80s, neighbors around our NJ area did not fence in their properties. Everyone knew each other and always had time to say hello and exchange pleasantries and a tad of gossip. It was during this time that I learned how to make this recipe. One of our beloved neighbors had fresh mint in her backyard. She let anyone who wanted it take it and I usually had the fun task of collecting some for our tea.

Now, in 2008, that beloved neighbor has long since passed and her property, though still owned by her family, has been completely fenced in. I bought my grandmother, Rose's, home in 2000, after my grandfather, Ted, died. (Grandma Rose died in 1993.) I must confess, that I, too, have fenced in my property and . . . times have changed.

This recipe still remains the same, though; so get ready to pour yourself "Rose's Ultimate Tall Cool One!"

Ingredients for "Rose's Ultimate Tall Cool One"

1 quarts of boiling water
5 black tea bags
2 cups of fresh mint leaves
cup of sugar or 5-6 packets of sugar substitute
1 lemons, cut into wedges to squeeze
lemon to cut in wedges for drink garnish (optional)
Ice cubes (amount as desired)

Kitchen Utensils Needed

1 teapot or saucepan to boil water

1 long spoon for mixing

1 pitcher for tea

1 strainer or1 large slotted spoon to strain tea concoction

1 knife & cutting board to cut lemons

4-5 tall drinking glasses

Directions

1. Bring water to a rapid boil.

2. Mix tea bags, fresh mint leaves, sugar, (or sugar substitute) and let this mixture steep for 20 minutes. (It needs time to transform and believe me, it is worth the wait.)

3. After steeping for 20 minutes, strain out the tea bags and mint leaves.

4. Squeeze the lemon wedges into the tea mixture and add the squeezed slices to the mixture. Stir well.

5. Chill, serve over ice, garnish with a lemon wedge, (optional) and enjoy!

Serves Four to Five.

Alcoholic Version of "Rose's Tall Cool One"

To make "Rose's Ultimate Tall Cool One" an alcoholic drink, add six shots of spiced rum (or amount desired) to the completed mixture as per the instructions above, and stir well. Serve chilled over ice. Garnish with a lemon wedge (optional) and toast to your loved ones. Here's to you, Grandma Rose!

Learn more about this author, Christine Bruness.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.