Homemade Pomegranate Iced Tea

Ok...here it is. My version of a pomegranate Iced Tea. I explained in an earlier post that I adore pomegranates and have been trying all the new products out there infused with the flavor...problem is....they're all full of sugar and extra calories! So what I did was use the pomegranate syrup that I grew up using and made my own pomegranate iced tea...minus the extra sugar. Here's the recipe.....

Avesta's Pomegranate Iced Tea:

4 tea bags (I use a green/white tea mix)

1/4 cup pomegranate syrup/molasses (you can find this in Middle Eastern or Halal markets or on the web http://www.ishopindian.com/shop/sultan-pomegranate-syrup-molasses-pr-21435.html)

Kettle of almost boiling water

Pitcher of ice

Lemon for garnish

Splenda or sugar for sweetness (optional)

Once your kettle of water is ready, add your tea bags and let them brew for about 5 minutes (you want to let them brew longer than a hot cup of tea because you want the tea to be stronger since you'll be adding tons of ice to the tea which will dilute it)

After brewing your tea, simply pour the tea right onto the pitcher of ice. (if you want to add sugar to the tea, add it before you pour it on the ice as it is hot and the sugar will dissolve and sweeten the tea perfectly)

Next, slowly add the pomegranate syrup and stir well. If you want to add Splenda to sweeten the tea, you can do that once you've stirred in the syrup. I don't add any sugar or Splenda to the pitcher. I like the tart flavor of the tea and pomegranate syrup with some lemon slices. Instead, I just serve the sugar and Splenda on the side for those who want to add it themselves.

I hope you enjoy this tea....my 10 year old son and mother loved it! It is not going to be that super-sweet pomegranate flavor that you may be used to...but it is a true pomegranate flavor. Just think about how sweet cranberry juices are out there...that's not what a real cranberry tastes like...right? For an added touch you can always freeze pomegranate seeds and serve them in the tea. (I do this a lot with my pomegranate martinis)

This tea is full of antioxidants from the pomegranate and from the green and white tea without all the extra calories and sugar....get that from the piece of pie you're going to eat with the tea!