This is one of my mother’s all time favorite drinks in the summer. Of course, when you live in the south, anything served over ice quickly becomes a favorite. This drink, however, is different. Think mint juleps beneath a big oak shade tree. Now place a nice stemmed iced tea glass of my Mama’s French Mint Tea in your hand and you’re on your way!
Mama took these pictures just a few moments ago, so if you hurry to her house there might still be some left!
You will need: Sugar, Lemon Juice, Frozen Orange Juice Concentrate, Fresh (or dried) Mint, and Tea Bags. In general, the tea bags we use in the south are orange pekoe. They are marketed under popular brands such as Luzianne or Tetley.
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In a pot bring to a boil the tea bags, mint and enough water to cover well.Â
Remove from heat and let steep covered for 30 minutesÂ
Put approx. 1 quart water in pitcher and add oj concentrateÂ
And sugar….Â
And lemon juice.(You’d never know by my sentence structure that was an English honors student in college…)
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Strain tea and mint into pitcher and add enough water to make one gallon. Stir. Refrigerate. Â
French Mint Tea
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8 regular size tea bags
juice of 4 lemons (8T. Realemon)
one 12 oz. frozen orange juice concentrate(pulp free)
2 cups sugar
handful of fresh mint (2 T. dried mint flakes)
In a pot bring to a boil the tea bags, mint and enough water to cover well. Remove from heat and let steep covered for 30 minutes. Put approx. 1 quart water in pitcher and add oj concentrate, lemon juice and sugar. Strain tea and mint into pitcher and add enough water to make one gallon. Stir. Refrigerate.
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Servings: 4
Calories: 12kcal
Ingredients
- 8 regular size tea bags
- juice of 4 lemons or 8T. Realemon
- one 12 oz. frozen orange juice concentrate (pulp free)
- 2 cups sugar
- handful of fresh mint or 2 T. dried mint flakes
Instructions
- In a pot bring to a boil the tea bags, mint and enough water to cover well. Remove from heat and let steep covered for 30 minutes. Put approx. 1 quart water in pitcher and add oj concentrate, lemon juice and sugar. Strain tea and mint into pitcher and add enough water to make one gallon. Stir. Refrigerate.
Nutrition
Calories: 12kcal
Tried this recipe?Mention @southernplate or tag #southernplate!
I have been drinking this my whole life. I love it. Never knew what it was called. My mom is French and I used to think she “created” this tea concoction. Guess I was incorrect. The only difference is that we also included one or two Red Zinger tea bags. I just made a batch last night. Sipping as I type. 🙂
refreshing
Sometime in the last century (l love to say that) whilst I was growing up in central Florida my mama made this yummy stuff. The only difference was we used fresh oj from the trees in the back yard. It sure is good stuff.
Oh my, what a blessing to be able to go out back and grab a few fresh oranges!!!
This looks nice and refreshing. A friend gave me mint years ago and I put it along my fence line in an area I don’t care if it takes over. I have used it to make mint simple syrup for mint jeulips. I used the leftover to sweeten tea but this kicks it up a notch for sure.
I hope you get the chance to try it soon Susan, I think you will really like it!!
I just made some of the tea. It tastes great but is it suppose to be cloudy?
Yes. It’s very cloudy. That’s why some folks call it swamp water 🙂
I like this new recipe! I have chocolate mint tea growing in a pot, I will try it and see if it turns out great. Thanks!
I hope you love it Alta!