Copycat Starbucks Iced Passion Tango Tea Recipe

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If you’ve ever sipped on a Starbucks Iced Passion Tango Tea, you know exactly what I’m about to go into. The refreshing blend of hibiscus, lemongrass, and apple, all shaken with the perfect amount of ice, isn’t just a drink; it’s an experience. But what if you can’t make it to a Starbucks store? Or what if you’re craving that burst of passion at a time when you’d rather stay within the cozy confines of your home?

How to make Starbucks Iced Passion Tango Tea

Starbucks Iced Passion Tango Tea is a refreshing, caffeine-free tea in Starbucks’ iced tea lineup. It’s made from a blend of hibiscus, lemongrass, and apple, giving it a vibrant, fruity flavor with a hint of floral notes. The tea is known for its deep red color and tangy taste.

Ingredients

• Tazo Passion Herbal Tea: This is the exact brand of tea Starbucks uses, and you can purchase it from most supermarkets or online.
• Water: This is used to both brew the tea and add ice.
• Ice cubes: To chill the beverage.
• Optional add-ins: Depending on your preferences, you might want to add sweeteners like honey, sugar, or agave syrup. Fresh fruits like slices of lemon, lime, orange, or even a few berries can also enhance the flavor.

Instructions

Brew the Tea

1. Boil water and pour it over the Tazo Passion Herbal Tea bag in a heat-resistant pitcher or container. Use one tea bag for every 8 ounces of water.
2. Let the tea steep for about 5-10 minutes. The longer you steep, the stronger the flavor.

Cool the Tea

1. Remove the tea bags and allow the tea to come to room temperature. Placing the pitcher in the refrigerator can speed this process up.

Prepare the Drink

1. Fill a glass or a shaker with ice cubes to the desired level.
2. Pour the chilled tea over the ice, leaving room if you wish to add any sweeteners or fruit.
3. If using, add sweeteners or squeeze in some fresh citrus juice to your liking and stir well.

Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish with a slice of lemon, lime, or orange on the rim of the glass or float a few berries for a pop of color and flavor.
2. Serve cold and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Starbucks Iced Passion Tango Tea

• Enhance Flavors: Steep your tea for at least 5 minutes. This extracts the deep flavors of hibiscus and citrus, closely mimicking the Starbucks version.
• Custom Sweetness: Adjust the sweetness level to your preference. If you’re adding sweeteners, it’s best to do this while the tea is still warm, as they dissolve better.
• Experiment with Fruits: Adding different fruits not only enhances the flavor but also adds a lovely visual appeal to your drink.
• Quantity Preparation: If you prefer having this beverage often, brew a large batch of tea, store it in your refrigerator, and enjoy it over a few days.
• Herbal Infusion: For an extra flavor, infuse the tea with fresh mint or cinnamon sticks while it cools.

What to serve with

Pairing the right snacks or foods with Starbucks Iced Passion Tango Tea can enhance the overall experience and pleasure of your tea time. Here’s a list of delightful accompaniments that will complement your iced tea perfectly, whether you’re enjoying a casual refreshment break, hosting a brunch, or just looking for a light snack.

Light Snacks

• Fruit Salad: A bright, colorful fruit salad with melons, berries, and citrus fruits can complement the tangy and sweet notes of the Passion Tango Tea.
• Cheese and Crackers: Pair with mild cheeses and whole-grain or water crackers for a savory contrast to the tea’s sweetness.
• Vegetable Sticks and Hummus: Fresh veggies like carrots, cucumber, and bell peppers with a side of creamy hummus make for a healthy and crunchy pairing.

Savory Options

• Mini Sandwiches or Wraps: For a fulfilling snack, choose fillings like cucumber, chicken salad, or smoked salmon with cream cheese on whole grain bread or tortilla wraps.
• Quiche or Savory Tarts: A slice of quiche, such as spinach and feta or ham and Swiss, provides a rich and savory balance.
• Bruschetta: Tomato and basil-topped bruschetta on crunchy baguette slices adds a fresh and herby quality that mirrors the tea’s refreshment factor.

Sweet Treats

• Pastries: Croissants, scones, or danishes, especially with fruit or vanilla flavors, will enhance the tea’s fruity notes without overpowering them.
• Cupcakes or Macarons: Small bites like mini cupcakes or macarons come in various flavors and can complement the tropical vibe of the tea.
• Lemon or Almond Biscotti: Dunking these into your iced tea can add a subtle sweetness and pleasant texture.

Brunch Staples

• Yogurt Parfait: Layered with granola and fresh fruits, a yogurt parfait is a complementary and healthy brunch option.
• Bagels with Cream Cheese: Opt for plain or fruit-flavored cream cheese on a toasted bagel to enjoy with the tea.
• Avocado Toast: Top with cherry tomatoes, a lime squeeze, and a feta sprinkle for a fresh brunch bite that pairs well with the tea’s zestiness.

Desserts

• Berry Tart or Pie: A berry-based dessert will echo the tea’s hibiscus and citrus flavors, creating a harmonious sweet note.
• Tropical Fruit Popsicles: On a hot day, popsicles made from pineapple, mango, or a blend of tropical fruits can be a frozen treat alternative.

Health-Conscious Options

• Nut Mix: A handful of roasted almonds, walnuts, or a mix of nuts can be a heart-healthy snacking option.
• Kale Chips: For a crispy and nutritious snack, kale chips offer a crunchy texture that contrasts with the smoothness of the iced tea.

Ingredients Substitutes

Making Starbucks Iced Passion Tango Tea at home can be refreshing, especially when you can’t make it to a Starbucks store or want to customize the drink to your taste or dietary needs. The original tea blend includes hibiscus, lemongrass, apple, and cinnamon flavors without caffeine, making it an exotically fruity and tangy tea perfect for iced beverages. While the exact proprietary recipe might be difficult to replicate at home, you can come close by using readily available ingredients or substituting some to suit your preferences or availability. Here’s a guide on what you can use:

Main Ingredient Substitutes

• Hibiscus Tea is the primary component of Passion Tango Tea. If you can’t find a pre-mixed passion tea blend, look for dried hibiscus flowers or hibiscus tea bags at your local grocery store or health food store. Hibiscus tea is a popular ingredient and should be relatively easy to find.
• Lemongrass Tea: If you don’t have access to lemongrass tea, you can use fresh lemongrass, chopped and steeped with your hibiscus tea. Lemongrass essential oil (food grade) can also be used in tiny amounts, or you could substitute lemon zest or lemon balm leaves for a similar citrusy zing.
• Apple: The original tea blend hints at apple notes. If you don’t have an apple-flavored tea, you can steep thin apple slices with the hibiscus tea, use a small amount of pure apple juice, or add apple cider vinegar for a tart kick, depending on your taste preference.
• Cinnamon: If cinnamon sticks or ground cinnamon aren’t handy, consider substituting with allspice or nutmeg for a similarly warm, spicy undertone. However, due to their potent flavors, these should be used sparingly.

Sweetener Alternatives

Starbucks typically sweetens its iced teas with liquid cane sugar. Here are some alternatives:

• Honey or Agave Syrup: For a natural sweetener, honey or agave syrup blends well with the tea’s flavor profile. Adjust the amount based on your sweetness preference.
• Stevia or Monk Fruit Sweetener: If you’re looking for a calorie-free option, stevia or monk fruit sweetener can be good alternatives. Since they’re much sweeter than sugar, start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
• Maple Syrup: Another natural sweetener option that pairs nicely with the tea’s fruity flavors. Use pure maple syrup for the best taste.

Final Thoughts

Making Starbucks Iced Passion Tango Tea at home allows you to enjoy your favorite beverage anytime, and tweaking it according to your flavor preferences makes it even more special.

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