Orange Pekoe Iced Tea Popsicles
This summery Orange Pekoe Tea Popsicle is such a nifty way to serve “tea” and can be made full-calorie (with orange juice and sugar), or lower calorie, as modified. Orange Pekoe is a black tea — it has no orange flavoring. The “orange” in “Orange Pekoe” actually refers to the bright color of the oxidized tea leaves. This recipe, however, does include that orange flavoring!
Occasionally we share higher calorie recipes from a spa or resort destination because it is was requested by a reader or is a guest favorite in the dining rooms of spas and resorts which don’t necessarily cater to a lower fat or specific diet plan. Not all spa guests have specific dietary needs, and most healthy eating plans will agree that an occasional indulgence is tolerated and encouraged if it will help you “stay on program.” This is a perfect way to do just that.
Ingredients
ORANGE PEKOE TEA SYRUP
- 1 quart water
- 2 cups Splenda Sugar Blend (or granulated sugar)
- 6 bags orange pekoe tea
POPSICLES
- 5 cups Orange Pekoe Tea Syrup (above)
- 4 cups orange juice
- 1 cup water
OPTIONAL MIX INS
- Peaches - sliced
- Lemons - sliced
- Orange Zest - grated
- Lemon Zest - grated
- Berries - frozen
- Fresh mint leaves - bruised
- Herbs - lemon grass, basil, thyme, other favorites
Instructions
- Make the Tea Syrup, first. Boil water and sugar until dissolved, and steep 6 bags orange pekoe tea for 5 minutes. Don't overboil -- it will taste bitter. Cool, and set aside.
- Mix Popsicle ingredients and strain. Pour into Popsicle molds. Insert sticks if needed, plus any optional additions. Freeze until solid.
Spa Index Kitchen Notes
We successfully substituted Splenda Blend for Baking to reduce sugar calories by 50%, but still creates a simple syrup because it has sugar, as well. We substituted Minute Maid Reduced Calorie Orange Juice to reduce juice calories by 50%, however we did prefer the regular fruit juice for flavor. Agave and Coconut Crystals gave us very mixed result, so we are sticking with Splenda and regular orange juice.
Naturally, you can also make an "Arnold Palmer Popsicle" by using reduced calorie Light Lemonade in place of the Orange Juice. Lowers the calorie content significantly, too!