Vanilla Almond Iced Tea

I can’t believe I haven’t posted an iced tea recipe yet! Living in the south, you’d expect a sweet tea on my blog, right? Well, here it is…

Just about every restaurant in the south claims to have the best “sweet tea” around.  I’m not going to claim that, but I will promise that this sweet tea has a unique blend of vanilla and almond that your taste buds will hopefully love.

A few months ago, my husband Matt and I were invited to have lunch at our preacher and his wife’s house. There were at least five couples, and we enjoyed a delicious feast of chicken & wild rice soup, mixed greens, whole grain bread, and a light take on crustless cheesecake with fresh strawberries. Everything was so light and refreshing, including the vanilla almond iced tea that was served.

I’m not claiming that tea recipe is from our preacher’s wife, but the taste is almost identical! The almond and vanilla extract mixed with a touch of lemonade concentrate creates a sweet, yet tangy and refreshing tea.

Let me know what you think. Enjoy!

4 tea bags

16 cups of water, divided

1 cup sugar

1 (12 oz.) container frozen lemonade concentrate

2 Tbsp. almond extract

1 Tbsp. vanilla extract

1. In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water to boil. Place tea bags in a large pitcher or container, large enough to hold a little over 1 gallon, with the tags hanging over the side. Once water is boiling, very carefully pour the water into the pitcher over the tea bags. Let steep for 3 to 5 minutes.

2. Remove tea bags. Pour 1 cup sugar and stir to dissolve (or more to taste). Add 8 cups cold water and stir. Add in lemonade concentrate and stir to dissolve. Add in vanilla & almond and stir to combine. (If your container is too small, make the tea in two containers and split the lemonade and extracts). 

3. Place in refrigerator to chill for approximately 1 hour or until cold.

*Alternatively you could buy a gallon of sweet tea and then add the lemonade & extracts if you’re in a hurry.