Iced Sweet Peach Tea

It seems as if the hot days of summer are upon us.  By mid morning I am just trying to stay cool.   I have found a glass of iced tea to be extremely refreshing.  Add a twist to the traditional recipe and you have yourself one refreshing beverage.  This recipe uses fresh ripe peaches, ginger, and lemon with a simply syrup and brewed black tea.  Wonderful - in fact I am enjoying a glass as I write this post.

Iced Sweet Peach Tea
Ingredients:
8 cups water, divided
7 tea bags
1 1/4 cups  sugar
1 lemon, washed and sliced
1 (1 1/2-inch) piece of ginger, peeled and crushed
2 ripe peaches, peeled and pureed
Rosemary or mint sprigs for garnish

Directions:
1. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil.  In 2 heat proof measuring cups add 2 cups boiling water in one cup and 2 cups boiling water in another  cup.
2. Place the tea bags, lemon slices, and ginger in one of the measuring cups of boiling water.  In the other  make a simple syrup by adding the sugar and stirring until dissolved.
3. Steep  the tea mixture for 20 minutes.
4. Pour the remaining 4 cups of water into a large pitcher.  Stir in the pureed peaches and simple syrup.
5. Remove the tea bags, ginger, and lemons from the remaining measuring cup and pour into the pitcher.  Stir well.
6. Pour over ice or put it in the fridge for later.  Garnish with a rosemary or mint sprig.

Makes 8 servings