Looking for a refreshing drink with a twist of sweetness and a hint of spice? Cherry Ginger Iced Tea is the perfect balance of bold flavors and cool refreshment, making it ideal for warm weather or anytime you want something flavorful and energizing. With the tartness of cherries and the zing of fresh ginger, this iced tea is both sweet and spicy, offering the perfect balance for your taste buds.

The combination of fresh cherries and ginger not only adds a unique flavor but also provides health benefits, like ginger's ability to aid digestion and cherries’ antioxidant properties. This drink will not only keep you refreshed but also help boost your immune system. Whether you’re lounging on a summer afternoon or hosting a gathering, this Cherry Ginger Iced Tea will be the star of the show!

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🛒 Ingredients (Makes 4 Servings)

• Black tea bags – 2 (or use green tea for a lighter option)
• Fresh cherries – 1 cup (pitted and halved)
• Fresh ginger – 1 tablespoon (grated)
• Water – 4 cups (divided into two parts)
• Honey or sugar (or sweetener of your choice) – 2-3 tablespoons (adjust to taste)
• Ice cubes – for serving
• Lemon slices – for garnish (optional)
• Fresh mint – for garnish (optional)

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Tea Base

• Boil 2 cups of water in a saucepan. Once the water is boiling, add the black tea bags and let them steep for about 5-7 minutes, depending on how strong you prefer your tea.
• After steeping, remove the tea bags and set the tea aside to cool to room temperature.

2. Make the Cherry Ginger Infusion

• In a separate saucepan, add the fresh cherries and grated ginger with 2 cups of water. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
• Let it simmer for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cherries have softened and released their juice. You should see the water turning into a pinkish-red color, infused with the cherry and ginger flavors.
• Use a fine mesh strainer to strain out the solids, reserving the cherry-ginger liquid in a bowl or pitcher.

3. Sweeten the Tea

• Add honey or sugar to the cherry-ginger infusion while it's still warm to ensure it dissolves properly. Stir until the sweetener is completely dissolved. Taste and adjust the sweetness if needed.

4. Combine and Chill

• Mix the cooled black tea with the cherry-ginger infusion. Stir well.
• Refrigerate the combined tea mixture for about 1-2 hours to chill completely. Alternatively, you can serve it over ice right away if you're in a hurry!

5. Serve and Garnish

• To serve, pour the chilled Cherry Ginger Iced Tea into glasses filled with ice cubes.
• Garnish with lemon slices and fresh mint for an extra pop of flavor and color.

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🔢 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)

• Calories: 50-70 kcal (depending on the amount of sweetener used)
• Carbohydrates: 13g
• Sugars: 12g (if sweetened with honey)
• Fat: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Caffeine Content: Moderate (from the black tea)

💡 To make this a lower-sugar option, simply reduce the amount of sweetener or use a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit.

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💡 Tips & Tricks

• Adjust the Spiciness: If you like a stronger ginger flavor, increase the amount of grated ginger or let it simmer longer to intensify the spiciness.
• Fruit Variations: While cherries are the star of this drink, you can also experiment with other fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a different twist.
• Make it a Cocktail: Add a splash of rum or vodka to turn this iced tea into a refreshing cocktail. It pairs beautifully with a shot of ginger beer for an extra spicy kick!
• Infuse Overnight: If you want the flavors to really meld together, try making the cherry-ginger infusion the night before and let it steep overnight in the fridge for a richer flavor.

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🍹 Serving Suggestions

This Cherry Ginger Iced Tea makes a perfect beverage for barbecues, picnics, or summer parties. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, salads, or any light seafood dishes like shrimp skewers for a refreshing contrast. It’s also an ideal companion for a spicy Asian meal such as ginger sesame chicken or teriyaki salmon.