Citrus Tea with Tarragon

Name: Citrus Tea with Tarragon
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 8 servings (2 quarts).
Ingredients: 1/2 cup sugar; 1/2 cup orange juice; 1/4 cup plus 8 cups water, divided; 1/4 cup honey; 3 tablespoons lemon juice; 2 tablespoons lime juice; 1/2 cup fresh tarragaon leaves; 4 individual Earl Grey tea bags; OPTIONAL SUGARED RIM:; 1/2 cup coarse sugar; 1 teaspoon minced fresh tarragon; 1 teaspoon grated orange zest; Orange wedges

This citrusy tea accented with tarragon is the perfect way to warm up a chilly winter's afternoon. For a special presentation, add a sugared rim to each cup. —Mary Walters, Westerville, Ohio

Ingredients

1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup plus 8 cups water, divided
1/4 cup honey
3 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons lime juice
1/2 cup fresh tarragaon leaves
4 individual Earl Grey tea bags
OPTIONAL SUGARED RIM:
1/2 cup coarse sugar
1 teaspoon minced fresh tarragon
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
Orange wedges

Directions

In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, orange juice, 1/4 cup water, honey and lemon and lime juices. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly. Remove from the heat. Let stand for 15 minutes. Transfer to a blender. Add tarragon leaves; cover and process for 30 seconds or until blended. Strain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, bring remaining water to a boil. Remove from the heat; add tea bags. Cover and steep for 3-5 minutes. Discard tea bags. Stir in citrus mixture.
If a sugared rim is desired, sprinkle the sugar, tarragon and orange zest on a plate. Using orange wedges, moisten the rims of eight mugs; hold mugs upside down and dip rim into sugar mixture. Serve warm tea in mugs.

Nutrition Facts

1 cup (calculated without sugared rim): 93 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.

Originally published as Citrus Tea with Tarragon in Country Woman Christmas 2011