The Almond Iced Tea Love Affair: A Tale from Central Louisiana

Jeannie Jacobs Almond Iced Tea

I've got a charming story to share, one that dates back nearly two decades, from my days living in the heart of Central Louisiana. It's a story about my love affair with a particular beverage, an affair that continues to this day.

Central Louisiana, fondly known as Cenla, is a place of unique charm and unparalleled hospitality. But it's not just the people or the culture that left an indelible mark on me. In fact, my sweetest memory is surprisingly… a drink. It's a drink that I first tasted at a particular restaurant, a local gem named "The Cottage."

Nestled in the heart of Cenla, The Cottage is not your ordinary eatery. It's a cozy haven offering soulful culinary delights and, of course, their incredibly refreshing Almond Iced Tea. From the very first sip, I was hooked. The sweet, nutty flavors of the tea were like nothing I had tasted before. It was a symphony of flavors that left me captivated.

The magic of The Cottage's Almond Iced Tea isn't just in its unique flavor; it's also in its ability to be the perfect companion for any occasion. From grand weddings to intimate family dinners, from lazy summer lunches to cozy tea times, and even at joyous baby showers – this versatile beverage fits right in. It's not just a drink; it's a delightful experience that you can share with your loved ones, no matter the setting or the season.

And I must tell you, after all these years, the tea from The Cottage still remains unparalleled. It's as wonderful as I remember it, and perhaps, even better.

Inspired by the beautiful memories of my time in Louisiana, and my love for this unique drink, I decided to recreate the magic at home. And guess what? I'm going to share my recipe with you today!

So, without further ado, here is my treasured recipe for Almond Iced Tea:

Ingredients:

1. 8 cups of water

2. 6 small tea bags or 1-2 large tea bags (black or green tea, depending on your preference)

3. 1/2 cup of simple syrup (to taste)

4. 4-6 Tablespoons of pure almond extract (more or less to taste)

5. 1 cup pineapple juice (more or less to taste)

6. 1/4 cup lemon juice ( more or less to taste)

7. Lemon slices or mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Once the water is boiling, remove it from the heat.

2. Add your tea bags to the hot water. Let them steep for about 5-10 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea. Helpful tip: you can purchase pre-brewed tea.

3. Remove the tea bags and discard them. Add the simple syrup to the hot tea and stir. Let the tea cool for about 30 minutes

4. Add the pure almond extract to the sweetened tea and stir to combine.

5. Add the remaining 4 cups of cold water to the mixture along with the pineapple and lemon juice to taste.

6. Allow the tea to cool down to room temperature. Once it's cooled, you can refrigerate it for a few hours until it's chilled.

7. Serve the tea over ice. If you like, you can garnish the tea.

Recipe Tips; make sure tea cools to at least room temp before adding juices. Adjust the amount of juices and pure almond extract to your liking. As the tea ages, it tastes in even better.

Whether you're planning a large gathering or a simple afternoon tea, why not add some Southern charm with this delightful Almond Iced Tea? To make it even easier for you to enjoy, I've included some inspiration below, offering everything from beautiful glass pitchers to quirky iced tea spoons. You'll find all the inspiration you need to serve this delightful drink with flair!

Whether you've experienced the charm of The Cottage and its wonderful Almond Iced Tea, or you're new to this delightful blend, I encourage you to try this recipe at home. And when you do, remember the little cottage in Central Louisiana that started it all.

I'd love to hear your stories about the memorable drinks you've discovered during your travels or while living in new places. Do you have a favorite that's stuck with you over the years? I'd love to hear all about it in the comments!

Until next time, here's to beautiful memories and delicious drinks!

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