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Refreshing Spiced Pear and Cardamom Iced Tea

spiced pear and cardamom iced tea - featured image
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A simple yet flavorful iced tea combining fresh pear juice and lightly crushed cardamom pods for a refreshing summer drink with a warm spice note.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 teaspoons (8 grams) loose black tea leaves or 4 black tea bags (Assam or Ceylon preferred)
  • 2 medium fresh ripe pears, peeled and chopped (Bartlett or Bosc)
  • 6 to 8 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed
  • 4 cups (1 liter) water for brewing tea, plus ice and extra for dilution if desired
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional, adjust to taste; can substitute agave or simple syrup)
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • A small handful fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring 4 cups (1 liter) of water to a boil in a large pot or kettle. Remove from heat and add loose black tea and lightly crushed cardamom pods. Steep for 5 to 7 minutes.
  2. Strain the tea through a fine mesh strainer into a large heatproof pitcher, discarding tea leaves and cardamom pods. Allow tea to cool slightly.
  3. Peel and chop 2 medium ripe pears. Puree in a blender or food processor until smooth, adding a tablespoon or two of warm tea if needed to blend.
  4. Stir the pear puree into the warm tea mixture until evenly combined.
  5. While tea is still slightly warm, stir in 2 to 3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup and 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice. Adjust sweetness and acidity to taste.
  6. Chill the tea in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
  7. Serve over ice cubes, garnished with fresh mint leaves if desired.
  8. Optional: For sparkling tea, pour half the tea over ice and top with sparkling water just before serving.

Notes

Do not over-steep cardamom to avoid bitterness. Crush cardamom pods gently to release oils without pulverizing. Puree pears while tea is warm but not boiling for best texture. Adjust sweetener and lemon juice to taste. Can be made caffeine-free by substituting black tea with rooibos or herbal chai. For sparkling version, add sparkling water just before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: iced tea, spiced pear, cardamom, summer drink, refreshing tea, black tea, pear juice, honey sweetened, cold beverage

Find it online: https://lemonydrinks.com/refreshing-spiced-pear-and-cardamom-iced-tea-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-summer/