Quench your thirst with the bold and refreshing flavors of Kickin Carolina Tea—a zesty twist on classic iced tea that’s packed with vibrant Southern charm. This invigorating beverage combines robust black tea steeped to perfection, sweetened naturally with golden honey, and brightened by fresh lemon juice. A hint of apple cider vinegar adds a subtle tang, while a pinch of cayenne pepper delivers just the right amount of heat for a surprising kick. Perfect for hot summer days or as an accompaniment to your favorite barbecue dishes, this crowd-pleasing drink is served over ice and garnished with fresh lemon slices and mint for a crisp, aromatic finish. With only 10 minutes of prep time, this easy-to-make iced tea is the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy, making it a must-try standout among Southern-inspired drink recipes!
In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil over medium-high heat.
Once the water is boiling, remove the saucepan from the heat and add the black tea bags. Let the tea steep for 5-7 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea.
Remove the tea bags and discard them. Stir in the honey until it is fully dissolved.
Add the remaining 4 cups of cold water to the tea mixture and stir well. Let the tea cool to room temperature or refrigerate to chill faster.
Once the tea is chilled, add the fresh lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and cayenne pepper. Stir well to combine.
Fill a pitcher or individual glasses with ice cubes, and pour the flavored tea over the ice.
Garnish each serving with a lemon slice and a few fresh mint leaves if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Calories |
25 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 0.3 g | 0% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.1 g | 0% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 61 mg | 3% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 7.3 g | 3% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.5 g | 5% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.1 g | ||
| Protein | 0.7 g | 1% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 138 mg | 11% | |
| Iron | 0.7 mg | 4% | |
| Potassium | 123 mg | 3% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.