Nothing’s better than a tall, cold glass of iced tea on a hot day. If you’re a fan of the old favorite and not afraid to kick it up a notch here are a few easy upgrades to try. These can all be added to an 8-cup pitcher of tea.

Ginger and honey. Add 2 teaspoons of freshly grated ginger and 1/3 cup of honey. Strain if desired.

Pomegranate juice and lime. Add 2 cups of pomegranate juice, 3 limes sliced thinly and 1/4 cup sugar.

Watermelon and basil. Add 1/8 of a medium-sized watermelon cut into small triangles, and 1 small bunch of fresh basil sprigs. Sweeten with sugar if desired.

Peach and mint. Add 4 ripe peaches cut into small pieces, and 1 small bunch of fresh mint sprigs. Sweeten with sugar if desired.

Published 08/07/09