Go Green for an Antioxidant Boost!

Spring is in the air and that means it's time to keep my fridge stocked with one of my all time favorite Spring/Summer drinks...Iced Green Tea with Mint! Loaded with body-loving antioxidants, green tea has been used for centuries to improve everything from heart health to diabetes (unsweetened, of course), to cholesterol. Move over rich and creamy white hot chocolate (my all time favorite Winter beverage!), I'll see you again around November, my friend ;)

Here's my super simple recipe that will have family and friends raving!

Ingredients:
2-3 C boiling water
6 decaf green tea bags (I prefer Salada brand)
1 C sugar (for sweetened variety)
individual mint sprigs and lemon slices to garnish
1 gallon pitcher

optional: sugar-free raspberry or strawberry beverage syrup for a fruity spin

Prepare:
Put sugar in pitcher and slowly add boiling water. Stir to dissolve. Add tea bags, cover, and give it a good long steep...10-20 min. Remove tea bags and add enough cold distilled/filtered water to fill the pitcher. Add sugar-free beverage syrup if desired. Stir well. Pour into iced water goblets or tall glass tumblers, garnish with mint sprigs and lemon slices, and enjoy!

*Note: I often forego the sugar if using sugar-free beverage syrup...despite being sugar-free,I find it imparts just the right amount of sweetness!