Blog Tour: Pure Leaf Kentucky Derby

Mom Central recently asked if I wanted to be a part of the Pure Leaf Kentucky Derby Blog Tour.

Having grown up with horses on our farm, one of which was a Thoroughbred, I was always fascinated with horse racing and I remember watching The Kentucky Derby yearly. I love all the pomp and circumstances with the way everyone dresses - especially the hats! :)

But first, let's talk about Pure Leaf Iced Tea. This bottled iced tea features all natural ingredients with a fresh brewed taste. It has no preservatives and no high fructose corn syrup. The bottles are made of PET plastic, making them lightweight and because they have a new square shape, provide high pallet efficiency, which means you can ship more bottles in a lighter load using less fuel in transport! If you are unfamiliar with PET plastics, these are labeled with the #1 code and are 100% recyclable.

Pure Leaf Iced Teas are also Rainforest Alliance Certified, which is available exclusively to farms that meet or exceed the rigorous standards for sustainability. All of Pure Leaf Iced Teas use leaves from these farms, and you'll see the Rainforest Alliance Certified seal on each of the bottles.

I was sent on over a box containing samples of Pure Leaf Iced Tea to try out in some drink recipes. With tomorrow, May 5th, being the 138th running of the Kentucky Derby, I can't think of a better time to share some fun summer themed drink recipes. Whether you're watching the Derby, or just looking for a new drink to serve during BBQ's and outdoor gatherings this summer, here's a few recipes using Pure Leaf Iced Teas.

Derby Day Tea-Lep

3 ounces Pure Leaf Sweetened Iced Tea
3 lime slices
6 large mint leaves

In a glass, add mint and then crush. Add two lime slices and fill glass with ice and Pure Leaf Sweetened Iced Tea.

Chocolatea Banana Smoothies

1 bottle Pure Leaf Sweetened Iced Tea or Pure Leaf Unsweetened Iced Tea, chilled
1/2 cup heavy or whipping cream
1/3 cup chocolate syrup
1 medium banana
2 cups ice cubes (about 8 to 10)

In blender, process all ingredients until smooth. Serve immediately and drizzle, if desired, with additional chocolate syrup.

Tip: For a decorative twist, drizzle melted chocolate into glass; refrigerate 5 minutes to set.

I made the Fruit-Tea Smoothies

1 bottle (16 oz.) Pure Leaf Iced Tea with Lemon or Pure Leaf Unsweetened Iced Tea, chilled
2 cups frozen strawberries
1 cup Vanilla Ice Cream
1 Tbsp. sugar

In blender, process all ingredients until smooth. Serve immediately in tall glasses and garnish, if desired, with fresh strawberries.

Green-Tea-Mojito

1/2 lime
6 large mint leaves
2 ounces Pure Leaf Green Tea with Honey

In highball glass, squeeze lime. Add lime and mint, then crush. Fill glass with ice and add remaining ingredients.

Tip: For a special twist, add 1 ounce white rum.

Peach-Ginger-Fizz

1/4 cup ginger simple syrup (see below)
Ice
1 Cup Peach or Diet Peach Pure Leaf Tea
Cold Club Soda
Candied Ginger, for Garnish
Free Peach Slice, for Garnish

Pour ginger simple syrup into a highball glass over ice. Add Peach Pure Leaf Tea and stir well. Top with a splash of club soda and garnish with a skewer of candied ginger and peach slice.

To make a cocktail: add 1.5 ounces of silver tequila before adding the tea.

Ginger Simple Syrup

1/2 cup fresh ginger, thinly syrup
1/2 cup sugar
1 1/2 cup water

In a saucepan, combine the sugar, ginger, and water and bring to a boil, dissolving the sugar. Remove the pan from heat and allow to cool. Strain the syrup and refridgete in an airtight container for up to one week.

You can find other recipes over on the Pure Leaf Facebook page.

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Lipton Pure Leaf. I received product samples and a promotional item to thank me for participating.