A Refreshing Escape: Fig & Lavender Iced Tea Recipe

Syrian Escape: Fig & Lavender Iced Tea Recipe
This refreshing iced tea takes you on a sensory vacation to Syria with its rich black tea, sweet and chewy dried figs, and a touch of floral lavender.
Ingredients:
• 4 cups boiling water
• 4 black tea bags (or 2 tablespoons loose leaf black tea)
• 1/2 cup dried figs, quartered
• 1/2 teaspoon dried culinary lavender buds
• Sugar to taste
• Ice cubes
• Lavender sprigs or fig slices for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Steep the Tea: In a teapot or heatproof pitcher, add the black tea bags or loose leaf tea. Pour boiling water over the tea and let it steep for 5-7 minutes, depending on your desired strength.
2. Add Figs and Lavender: While the tea steeps, add the quartered dried figs and lavender buds to a separate pitcher.
3. Strain the Tea: Once the tea has finished steeping, strain it into the pitcher with the figs and lavender. Discard the used tea bags or loose leaf tea.
4. Sweeten and Chill: Stir in sugar to taste. Start with a little and add more as needed until you reach your desired level of sweetness. Let the mixture cool completely, or for faster chilling, place the pitcher in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Fill glasses with ice cubes. Pour the chilled Fig & Lavender Iced Tea over the ice. Garnish with a sprig of lavender or a slice of fig for an extra touch of Syrian flair (optional).
Tips:
• For a stronger lavender flavor, you can increase the amount to 3/4 teaspoon, but be careful not to overpower the other flavors.
• If you don't have dried culinary lavender, you can substitute 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, but it will be a different flavor profile.
• This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to serve a crowd.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.