Lemongrass and Cinnamon Hawaiian Plantation Iced Tea Recipe
Like an Arnold Palmer but with pineapple juice and cinnamon, the best version of Plantation Iced Tea we've had in Hawai'i is from Diamond Head Market & Grill.
2bunchesfresh mint leaves(about 2 1/2 ounces) divided
1/2cupice cubesplus more for serving
4cups chilled100% pure pineapple juice(no sugar added)
1/3cuphoney
1/4cupfreshly squeezed lime juice(from about 4 limes)
Instructions
Bring water to a simmer in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat (don’t let it boil), about 5 minutes. Add tea, cover partially, and let steep until the flavor is stronger than desired but not bitter, about 8 to 10 minutes. Meanwhile, trim the ends off the lemongrass, and cut the stalk into 2-inch pieces. Cut each 2-inch piece in half lengthwise then bruise by lightly hitting with the back of a wooden spoon.
Once the tea has steeped, discard the tea, add lemongrass, cinnamon, and mint (minus about 6 to 8 stems you’ll want to reserve for garnish) and let cool to room temperature, about 1 hour. Add the ice to the tea, then stir in the pineapple juice, and sugar or honey. Place in the refrigerator to cool completely, about 2 hours.
Once the tea is cold, discard the cinnamon, lemongrass, and mint and stir in the lime juice. Taste and adjust with more lime juice or sugar as desired. Serve iced tea over ice and garnish each glass with a sprig of mint.