The Tea Scoop

Sweet Tea Vodka

While National Iced Tea Day may be over, the season for iced tea is only just beginning.  For those who desire something a little stronger but just as refreshing, there are a variety of tea cocktails out there. I just came across a new strong refresher that I had not heard of before: sweet tea infused vodka. I came across it on the Pegu Blog.  The Firefly brand is apparently brewed with tea from the Charleston tea plantation.  So, pretty nifty.

Unfortunately, I will not be able to offer my own opinion of this beverage as I am not a vodka drinker. But I would love to hear the thoughts of my readers on this particular incarnation of our favorite beverage. 

Tea Cart

If you live in New York, it might be worth checking out the Tea Cart. The Tenement Museum on the Lower East Side of Manhattan will present an interactive exhibit.  Artist Michele Brody will be collecting stories and memories about tea to create an exhibit on a tea cart outside the museum.  Story gathering begins today from 4-7pm. Brody will also be collecting stories at the same time on June 25 and July 9 and 23 pending weather conditions.  

National Iced Tea Day

I know, I know. I'm only telling you this after the day is mostly over. But after the heat of the day, at least here in Northern Virginia, there is still time and good reason to relax with a good cup of iced tea.  Here at Tea Scoop HQ, we like to use a nice Assam, dump twice the usual amount into boiling water and steep for ten minutes. Despite the fact that I grew up drinking sweet tea, I never find it quite as refreshing as straight up iced tea. Mr. Tea Scoop does usually add sugar to his.  

While cruising around Tastespotting, I came across a lovely sounding iced tea recipe: Iced Jasmine Mint Green Tea.  While I rarely make them at home, I love iced green teas.  Their lightness seems to make the beverage all the more refreshing.  I haven't had a chance to make it yet, but it sounds delicious, especially since we have mint growing in our garden purely for the purpose of making tea.  If you want to try it before I get the chance, head on over to Savory Sweet Life for the recipe.