Ah Mother’s Day: my least favorite of all the Hallmark holidays. A day supposedly dedicated to mom (um me) to be pampered and showered in love and luxurious gifts.
In reality, it’s a day more likely spent shuttling between families, trying to balance two sets of grandparents–if you are lucky. Or trying to schedule an age-appropriate activity around naptime. Or just cleaning up and cooking as you would on any other day.
In short, it will not likely be spent how mom actually wants: alone, in yoga pants, with a glass of wine, and a Netflix binge-fest.
Recognizing the realities of busy family lives, I decided to help moms everywhere just a smidge with some refreshment sure to lift spirits: homemade berry iced tea.
The great part about this iced tea is that you can put out a nice, chilled pitcher of the fruit beverage for guests, and spike yours to make the day a little easier. And no one need be the wiser why mom seems so relaxed and happy despite the fact that chaos ensues today just like any other day.
INGREDIENTS
8 cups water
10-12 black tea bags (such as English breakfast or Lipton)
½ cup sugar
2 pints mixed fresh or frozen berries (if using frozen, make sure to thaw first)
Lemon slices
Ice
Additional frozen berries (optional)
Vodka (optional)
Triple sec (optional)
DIRECTIONS
1. Boil 8 cups of water for tea. Once the water has come to a boil remove from heat and add ½ cup sugar and tea bags. Allow to sit five minutes and then remove tea bags.
2. Chill tea.
3. In a food processor fitted with blade attachment or a blender, puree fresh or thawed berries. Strain the pureed berries through a fine mesh sieve. Discard berry solids.
4. Add strained berry juice to iced tea. Serve with slices of lemon, plenty of ice and frozen fruit if desired. (The frozen fruit will help keep the iced tea chilled without watering it down).
To make the spiked iced tea: Pour one cup of berry iced tea over ice. Add ½ shot triple sec and 1 shot vodka. Stir and serve with slice of lemon.
