Minted Iced Tea With Orange-Blossom Water

This came out of the local newpaper. I am always looking for new and original alternatives to soda, especially for summer.

• Ready In: 15 mins
• Serves: 12
• Yields: 16 cups

Ingredients

• 7  orange pekoe tea bags
• 12  sprigs of fresh mint
• 3  lemons, peeled and juiced
• 8  cups boiling water
• 1 1⁄2 cups  superfine sugar
• 8  cups cold water
• 1⁄3 cup  orange blossom water
•  mint sprigs and lemon slice (to garnish)

Directions

1. Steep tea bags in boiling water, add mint, sugar and lemon peel. Stir until sugar dissolves. Allow to stand for up to four hours. Discard lemon peel and mint. Strain lemon juice and add to tea. Add cold water and orange blossom water, and plenty of ice cubes.
2. Serve in tall, clear glasses, garnished with lemon slices and fresh mint sprigs.
3. Orange blossom water is available in Middle Eastern grocery stores, and in the specialty aisles of some supermarkets.