The significance of ice in this beverage cannot be underestimated. In days gone by, ice was considered a luxury, arriving via ships or specialized deliveries. Refrigerators as we know them today were not yet invented. But back to the tea—authentic Southerners can undoubtedly tell the difference between freshly brewed tea and the concentrated variety. Trust us, we know our tea!

Southern hospitality dictates that we offer sweet tea to our visitors. If you happen to dine at a restaurant around here, be prepared for the default “tea” order to be sweet. If you prefer less sugar, you’ll need to request it “unsweetened,” but be ready for a few disapproving glances.

Ah, Southern Sweet Tea—we adore it. However, the downside is the impact it can have on our waistlines due to all the sugar. That’s where Equal® comes to the rescue! Equal® is a remarkable sugar alternative that adds just the right amount of sweetness and flavor without the added calories. It has become an essential part of our daily beverage ritual, elevating the taste of coffee, tea, iced tea, and lemonade alike.

The versatility of Equal® doesn’t stop there—it can be sprinkled on cereal and fruit, and used in various baking and cooking recipes. This 0 Calorie Sweetener is particularly beneficial for those who want to reduce their sugar intake or manage their blood glucose levels, making it an excellent option for individuals, especially those living with diabetes.

 

The versatility of Equal® doesn’t stop there—it can be sprinkled on cereal and fruit, and used in various baking and cooking recipes. This 0 Calorie Sweetener is particularly beneficial for those who want to reduce their sugar intake or manage their blood glucose levels, making it an excellent option for individuals, especially those living with diabetes.

You can easily find Equal® products in most grocery, club, drug, and mass-market stores, as well as in sweetener caddies at coffee shops and restaurants. Personally, I have crafted my favorite iced tea using Equal®, and it has become synonymous with the taste of summer for me.

Equal® satisfies my desire for a sweet tea without the worry of excess calories from sugar. If you haven’t tried Equal® yet and are eager to explore its potential, you can find a variety of delightful recipes on their website. So, go ahead and indulge in the blissful taste of summer with a guilt-free glass of Southern Summer Iced Tea made with Equal®!

For me, it’s the taste of summer.

I like my tea sweet and Equal® gives me the taste I crave without all those calories of sugar.

 

Southern Summer Iced Tea with Fresh Fruit

Beat the heat with Southern Summer Iced Tea! Refreshing iced tea infused with fresh fruit flavors. Sweetened to perfection with Equal®.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking/Cooling Time: 1 hour

Servings: 8

Ingredients:

• 2 quarts of freshly brewed tea
• 1/2 cup of Equal® (or your preferred sweetener)
• 2 lemons
• 2 oranges
• 1 small cantaloupe
• 1 apple
• 2 kiwis
• 2 plums
• 1 can of Sprite
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

Clean all the fruit thoroughly. Dice the lemons, oranges, cantaloupe, apple, and plums while maintaining the peels in all the fruit except the kiwis. Reserve the diced fruit in a large mixing bowl.

Peel the kiwis and dice them separately from the other fruit. Add the diced kiwis to the bowl with the other fruits.

Southern Summer Iced Tea with Fruit Recipe Instructions:

Once all the fruit is prepared, roughly chop the fruit into sections to enhance the flavor infusion.

Grab a 2-quart pitcher and add the chopped fruit into it.

Pour the freshly brewed 2 quarts of tea over the fruit in the pitcher.

 

 

Add 1/2 cup of Equal® (or your preferred sweetener) to the pitcher and stir well until it is completely dissolved, ensuring the tea is sweetened to your taste.

Place the pitcher in the refrigerator for at least one hour to allow the flavors of the fruit to infuse with the tea.

Before serving, add the can of Sprite to the mixture, giving the iced tea a refreshing and bubbly twist.

Fill a glass with ice cubes and pour the Southern Summer Iced Tea with Fruit over the ice.

Optionally, serve with additional Equal® on the side for those who prefer their tea a little sweeter. Stir well if adding Equal® to the individual glasses.

Enjoy your Southern Summer Iced Tea with Fresh Fruit, a delightful and refreshing beverage perfect for hot summer days!

FAQs for Southern Summer Iced Tea with Fresh Fruit:

1. Can I use a different brand of sweetener instead of Equal®? Absolutely! While the recipe suggests Equal®, you can use any 0-calorie sweetener or your preferred sweetener to achieve the desired level of sweetness.

2. How long can I keep the iced tea in the refrigerator before serving? For the best flavor, it is recommended to refrigerate the tea with fruit for at least one hour before serving. However, you can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

3. Can I use different fruits in the recipe? Certainly! Feel free to experiment with your favorite fruits or use seasonal fruits for a delightful twist. Just make sure to chop or dice them into manageable pieces.

4. Is it possible to make the tea ahead of time and add the fruit later? Yes, you can prepare the sweet tea in advance and add the fresh fruit right before serving. This will prevent the fruit from becoming too soft or losing its texture.

5. Can I make a larger or smaller batch of the tea? Absolutely! You can adjust the quantities of the ingredients to make a larger or smaller batch based on your needs. Just maintain the ratio of fruit to tea for the best results.

6. How can I store any leftover iced tea? If you have any leftover tea, store it in a covered pitcher or airtight container in the refrigerator. Consume it within 24 hours for the freshest taste.

7. Can I replace the Sprite with another carbonated beverage? Yes, you can use another lemon-lime soda or a carbonated fruit-flavored drink if you prefer. Choose a beverage that complements the fruit flavors well.

8. Can I add other ingredients, such as herbs or spices, to the tea? Certainly! Feel free to get creative and add mint leaves, basil, or even a cinnamon stick to infuse unique flavors into the tea.

9. Can I serve the tea without ice? Of course! While ice adds a refreshing touch, you can enjoy the tea without ice if you prefer a less chilled beverage.

10. Is this tea suitable for people with dietary restrictions, like diabetes or gluten intolerance? Yes, using Equal® makes the tea suitable for those who want to reduce sugar intake or manage blood glucose levels. Additionally, the recipe is gluten-free. However, please check the labels of the specific products you use to ensure they meet your dietary requirements.