CITRUS-HONEY TEA PUNCH

Oklahoma caterer Cleora Butler, author of Cleora’s Kitchens: The Memoir of a Cook & Eight Decades of Great American Food, intensified the flavor of her tea by allowing the brew to steep for several hours at room temperature. Then she added zesty citrus fruit, honey, and mint to give this punch personality. Honey harvested from nearby beehives guaranteed a refreshing glass of iced tea, even when sugar was limited. Inspired by her, this modern-day punch combines honey, mint tea, fresh citrus, and the effervescence of lemon-lime soda or sparkling water

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% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

In a teapot or heatproof pitcher with a lid, pour the boiling water over the tea bags. Cover and steep for 5 minutes. Remove the tea bags. Stir in the honey, mixing until dissolved. Add 4 cups cold water, the lemon juice, and orange juice and chill.

Step 2

To serve, combine the tea mixture, soda, ice, and lemon and orange slices in a punch bowl. Serve in mason jars or tall glasses garnished with sprigs of mint.