Mixing Up Holiday Cheer With Iced Tea

MISSION, KS--(Marketwire - Nov 10, 2011) - (Family Features) Calling all holiday party planners: You can hear those sleigh bells ringing, can't you? Like the most earnest of elves, you're likely doing your spirited best to balance tradition with the unexpected. This holiday, invite a surprising guest to stir up your seasonal soiree -- iced tea.

Alongside the wintertime warm-ups like hot chocolate and eggnog, more hosts are adding a non-traditional, yet oh-so-celebration-worthy sip to their gatherings.

"Until now, this beverage's ability to liven up a festive fete has been a well-kept secret by iced tea-lovers," says Stacy Taffet, Lipton brand. "But this beloved summertime cooler is fast becoming a popular pour at holiday get-togethers, thanks to a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg or apple cider."

So, wow with what's now, by serving up a new recipe featuring 100% Natural Lipton® Iced Tea mixed with traditional taste-making spices. They're perfect for holiday partygoers of all ages.

Have a Berry Merry Cosmo
Blend the naughtiness of tart with the niceness of sweet for the ultimate pink drink -- Cosmopolitans. With pomegranate, blueberry and cranberry juice, it's a sassy, classic way to cheer the holiday season.

Festivi-Tea Cosmopolitan
3 servings
Prep time: 5 minutes
1	bottle 100% Natural Lipton Iced Tea with Pomegranate Blueberry
3	tablespoons 100% cranberry juice
3	tablespoons orange juice
1	tablespoon lime juice

Combine all ingredients in a shaker filled with ice. Shake well and pour into chilled martini glasses.

Tip: For an adult version, use 2 tablespoons vodka and 2 tablespoons orange liqueur instead of orange juice.

A Fruity Take on a Holiday Favorite
Move over, fruit cake! There's a new take on festive fruity flavors. This savory and sweet recipe mixes together simple ingredients (which you most likely have on hand) with the delicious taste of pomegranate and blueberry.

Winter Berry Hot White Chocolate Tea
4 servings
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 8 minutes
1	cup white chocolate chips
1	cup light cream or half-and-half*
1	bottle 100% Natural Lipton Iced Tea with Pomegranate Blueberry
1/8	teaspoon ground nutmeg

Place all ingredients in a medium saucepan and warm over medium heat, stirring constantly, until chips are completely melted, about 8 minutes (do not boil).

Serve immediately. If desired, garnish with whipped cream and an additional sprinkle of nutmeg.

Tip: For an adult version, use 1/4 cup vodka or cherry brandy instead of 1/4 cup of light cream.

*Use fat-free half-and-half to make this dessert drink lower in saturated fat and calories.

Cinnamon, Spice and Iced Tea
This recipe offers a tasty twist on a long-standing holiday drink tradition: grog. Spice up each cup by bringing together sweet-scented cinnamon and crisp apple cider.

Tea-Spiced Grog
6 servings
Prep time: 5 minutes
Stand time: 20 minutes
2	bottles 100% Natural Lipton Iced Tea with Lemon
1	cup apple cider or apple juice
5	whole cloves
1	cinnamon stick

Bring all ingredients to a boil over high heat in a 2-quart saucepan. Remove from heat and let stand 20 minutes. Strain out spices and serve warm. If desired, garnish with sliced apples.

Tip: For spiked grog, add 1/4 cup light rum or brandy.

A Sangria Recipe for All Seasons
This sangria recipe is a great go-to for get-togethers because you can mix it hours in advance, leaving you more time to mix with what matters -- your guests.

Black Tea Sangria
6 servings
Prep time: 5 minutes
Chill time: 2 hours
2	bottles 100% Natural Lipton Iced Tea with Lemon
1	cup unsweetened grape juice
1/4	cup orange juice
1	small orange, sliced
1	Gala apple, cored and sliced
1	lime, sliced

Combine all ingredients in large pitcher. Chill at least 2 hours or until ready to serve.

Tip: For an adult version of this sangria, use dry red wine instead of grape juice.

For more holiday recipe ideas, visit www.facebook.com/LiptonIcedTea.

About Family Features Editorial Syndicate
This and other food and lifestyle content can be found at www.editors.familyfeatures.com. Family Features is a leading provider of free food and lifestyle content for use in print and online publications. Register with no obligation to access a variety of formatted and unformatted features, accompanying photos, and automatically updating Web content solutions.