We have already had some 90-degree days where we live, and we’ve been scanning the fridge for something cold and refreshing to drink. We try to keep juice and soda to a minimum, but often my girls are craving something other than water.

Last summer, we started making a tangy and fruity iced tea that quickly became our favorite summer drink. I was inspired by a recipe from Lexie’s Kitchen and Living, who calls this drink “Cool-Aid.” Even my 10-year-old, who is not a fan of hot herbal tea, loves this drink. She says it tastes more like juice or flavored water.

This fruity iced tea comes together with just three ingredients – tea, sweetener, and apple cider vinegar. Yes, vinegar! The apple cider vinegar gives it some zing, so don’t leave it out.

Ingredients for Fruity Summer Tea:

(Makes approximately 3 quarts)

• 6 fruit-flavored, herbal tea bags – our favorites for this drink are Celestial Seasonings Wild Berry Zinger, Black Cherry Berry, or Country Peach Passion
• 2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar (highly recommend raw, such as Bragg’s)
• Sweetener of your choice (I use 1/4 teaspoon of pure, powdered Stevia)

Steep the tea bags in 4 cups of boiling water for 5-10 minutes. I often forget about my tea bags and end up steeping them even longer. No worries!

Pour the tea into a pitcher, and fill the rest of the way with cold water. Leave room for ice, if you like, or just plan on chilling it. My pitcher holds about 3 quarts, so that’s what my measurements are based on. You can adjust as needed.

Add the apple cider vinegar and sweetener and stir well. You can sweeten the tea to your family’s liking, with your choice of sweetener type and amount. I use powdered Stevia in our tea, but I think honey would also be delicious! Just start with a small amount of sweetener, and continue tasting and adding until it’s just right.

That’s it! So simple and delicious – we go through a whole pitcher pretty much every day in the summer.

My girls are planning to try a few new flavors this summer, maybe even some combo flavors with two different types of tea. I’m thinking raspberry tea and lemon tea might make a delicious pairing. Cheers!