Great for any occasion, fresh mint and lemon are the perfect compliments for this southern sweet tea.
Grab your party hat and throw on your prettiest dress because today we are throwing a Sweet Southern Boy Virtual Baby Shower for my dear friend Nikki! She and her beautiful family are expecting their second son next month and I couldn’t be more thrilled for them.
Nikki and I had the opportunity to meet last year when she drove her family across the country to attend Taste of Michigan. (That’s her with the white jacket and the sassy boots!) As it turns out, she grew up just 30 minutes away from me here in Grand Rapids. From the minute she arrived to the farmer’s market I was drawn in to her gorgeous eyes, vibrant personality and beaming smile. She was newly pregnant and truly glowing.
In addition to our Michigan connection, we also share a major love of Middle Eastern food because her husband is Syrian just like me! From cabbage rolls to sfeehas (meat pies) to stuffed kusa – we both can’t get enough. This past Valentine’s Day when most Americans were dining on steak and lobster, my girl Nikki was making her hubby a Syrian feast — she’s truly a woman after my own heart!!
Last but not least, did you know she’s famous? She recently interviewed First Lady Michelle Obama and got to hang out with Rachael Ray… no bigs.
HAPPY BABY SHOWER NIKKI!! You’re my sista from another mista and I am so excited for this new chapter in your life!!
xoxo,
Liz
Southern Sweet Tea with Lemon and Mint
Ingredients
- 12 tea bags (such as Lipton black tea)
- 4 cups boiling water
- 1 cup mint infused simple syrup (recipe below)
- 1 lemon
- club soda
- ice cubes
- mint sprigs (garnish)
- slices lemon (garnish)
Mint Infused Simple Syrup
- 1 cup boiling water
- ⅔ cup sugar
- 12 mint sprigs (stem on)
Instructions
- Place tea bags in the bottom of a large pitcher and cover with boiling water. Let steep for 30 minutes.
- While tea is steeping, make the mint infused simple syrup by pouring boiling water over sugar and mint sprigs. Stir with a fork to dissolve sugar and gently press on mint leaves to release flavor and natural oils. Allow syrup to cool, about 15 minutes.
- Once tea has steeped, remove tea bags and add 3 quarts of cold water. Strain the simple syrup to remove the mint sprigs and add to the tea.
- Juice half of the lemon and add to the tea. Slice the remaining half for garnish.
- To serve, fill glasses with ice and fill 2/3 of the way with tea. Top each glass off with a splash of club soda and garnish with a lemon slice and extra mint sprigs.
This sounds SO refreshing!! YUM!
Thank you Alaina – just finished the pitcher yesterday and need to make more!
Yum, this sounds so refreshing :) I love sweet tea!
Me too!!! I have been guzzling it all week!!
Yum! Congrats Nikki on the new bundle of joy–this tea looks perfect for a baby shower!!!
Liz, this looks so pretty and refreshing! I could go for a tall glass right now…
You must try it – I’ve been drinking it all week – super refreshing!!
What a perfect addition to the shower! It seems you and me both and sweet tea on mind when it comes to thinking about Nikki!! Great site, too!!
Thanks so much Krystal!! Wish we were celebrating Nikki in person!!
Awww.. i love it when bloggers meet in real life! Can’t wait to hug it out with you at upcoming fbf, Liz.
Perfect refreshing and soothing baby shower beverage :)
I’m so glad you’ll be at FBF!! Can’t wait to meet you!!
I love seeing all the surprise guest posts for baby showers and weddings etc. So fun!! Stunning photo of the drink too – sounds so refreshing! I seriously drink a gallon of iced tea every day all summer long, so you know I am adding this to my list to make!!
I am the same way!!! I want to try lemon grass in my tea!!
This drink is so perfect for warm spring and summer temps. Thank you so much for brining it to Nikki’s shower. I know she’d love it and I can’t wait to make it myself!
Thank you so much for hosting Kelsey!
Yum are you kidding me already!! Serve it up girlfrand ; )
I can’t wait until mint starts growing outside and I can make this all the time!
I just love anything ‘sweet tea’ related and I can’t wait to try your version, Liz! So looking forward to connecting with you in person this summer! :)
Same here Jessica!!
The weather is warming up and it’s time to break out my tea jug. I love tea with lemon and mint seems like it would be a very refreshing touch!
I am hoping this drink will get the weather to warm up for us here in Michigan!!
Thank you so much for your perfect contribution to Nikki’s shower! This refreshing remix of Southern Sweet Tea should be a staple at all baby showers! And how cool that you and Nikki’s husband are both Syrian!!
I’m so glad you like it!! I’ll admit as a Michigander I am not very familiar with Southern food but I love tea!! :) Thanks for hosting!!
This looks great. Although being from the South, I’d say the tea would have to be Luzianne and not Lipton. But that’s just me ;)
Oooo they don’t sell that tea here but I appreciate the tip!! I’m definitely a Yank. ;-)
I know it’s sold in Ohio, but I know that’s not the same as Michigan. If you ever do see it, though, try it. I’m not sure if you shop at Wal-Mart (i don’t anymore) but they may be your best bet because I *think* walmart carries it nation-wide.
I’m definitely going to keep my eye out now!!
I can’t wait to meet you and Nikki both this year! And have a glass of tea with you! This is amazing!
Awww I can’t wait to meet you too!!!! It will be here before we know it!
This is perfect for the summer! I grow mint in my backyard so I have PLENTY! :) I love these virtual baby showers. Very cute.
Me too!! I was bummed ours hasn’t started growing yet – normally it grows like weeds and we have to get rid of it (and you know I love cooking with mint!!)
How fun! I just love these virtual baby showers. All of the recipes look amazing! And this tea, I’ve definitely got to make it soon. Growing up with family in the South, I only drink my tea sweetened! This looks delicious and refreshing, Liz!
I must admit I don’t usually drink sweet tea but I am sold!! The mint-infusion just made it so addictive!
This looks amazing! I got really excited when I saw this in our shower line up. :) Making it today! It looks so fresh and springy. Good thing I just stocked up on fresh mint!
Oh you will love it!! I’ve been drinking it all week – so good and refreshing!!
You hit my sweet spot with this drink, Liz! Thank you!!! Really glad we’ve connected in this fun crazy loving blogging world of ours. :) Looking forward to more trips to Michigan to hang with you, and explore more of GR’s wonderful food scene together! (And, you are too sweet with your kind words! I was definitely drawn to YOU immediately, as well!) xoxo
Awww I’m so glad to call you a friend. Enjoy your special day!!! Wish we were celebrating in person!!! Can’t wait to see you in person this Spring!! xoxo