Cold Sulaimani, cucumber ribbons, mint and lemon over a lot of ice. This is the jug to make while summer is still refusing to leave.
The cucumber softens the edges of the tea without making it taste like a salad, while lemon keeps everything sharp. Make the Sulaimani first, let it cool properly, then assemble the jug just before you want to drink it.
It is particularly good on the sort of August afternoon that starts bright and ends with everyone still sitting outside in a jumper.
The recipe
Serves 4 · Prep 10 minutes · Chill 20 minutes
Ingredients
- 500ml Ghar Ki Chai Sulaimani, prepared according to the packet instructions and cooled
- ½ cucumber
- 1 unwaxed lemon
- 8 to 10 mint sprigs
- 250ml chilled sparkling water
- Plenty of ice
Method
Use a vegetable peeler to make long cucumber ribbons. Cut half the lemon into thin slices and squeeze 1 tbsp juice from the remaining half.
Put most of the cucumber and mint into a large jug and press them gently with the back of a wooden spoon. Add the cooled Sulaimani and lemon juice, then refrigerate for 20 minutes.
Fill four tall glasses with ice, the remaining cucumber and the lemon slices. Pour in the chilled tea and finish with sparkling water. Give each glass one gentle stir and serve immediately.
Keep it cold
The important thing here is temperature. Cool the tea fully before it meets the ice, otherwise the first glass will be strong and the second mostly melted water.
Recipe notes
Make ahead: Prepare and chill the Sulaimani earlier in the day. Add cucumber and mint no more than an hour before serving. Still water: Use cold filtered water instead of sparkling if you prefer a quieter drink. For a crowd: Double everything and add the sparkling water only as people arrive.