Refreshing Lemonade Iced Tea for Summer Enjoyment

As summer arrives, craving for cooling beverages like lemonade infused iced tea rises. Served in tall glasses with plenty of ice, this drink is especially popular in southern regions. In the U.S., iced tea accounts for about 85% of total tea consumption, mainly because of its health benefits compared to sodas. Various flavors, from fruit-infused to herbal blends, continue to emerge, but traditional lemonade iced tea remains a favorite for many.

Making lemonade iced tea at home is simple, healthy, and adaptable, pairing well with any meal or enjoyed alone. Typically brewed with green tea leaves, it retains antioxidant properties and promotes heart health, especially in unsweetened form. The lemon adds a tangy note, benefiting gums and teeth.

The earliest record of lemon-flavored iced tea dates back to 1879, created by Marion Cabell Tyree, author of "Housekeeping in Old Virginia." Her recipe came from Virginia housewives, involving boiling green tea, steeping it overnight, then serving over ice with lemon juice and sugar. In 1882, D. A. Lincoln developed a black tea version. Commercial popularity soared when Richard Blechynden introduced iced tea at the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis by chilling hot tea, instantly capturing public interest.