My little family moved to Florida a year ago for my husband’s first tour in the Navy.  While most would agree that the majority of Florida isn’t culturally southern, the northern part of the state definitely is, especially the Jacksonville area.  It’s the home of Lynyrd Skynyrd—you don’t get anymore southern than that!  I decided to create a beverage that reflects the area we are getting to know and love—one that speaks of southern culture and Florida’s bounty.  Sweet tea and orange juice.  Combining the two turned out to be delicious and refreshing.  Think of this drink as a Deep South Arnold Palmer with a Florida twist.  

4 cups brewed tea, preferably Lady Grey 

2 cups freshly squeezed orange juice

1/2 to 1 cup simple syrup, to taste

Pour the ingredients in a pitcher and stir to combine.  Serve chilled, over ice.  Garnish with an orange slice or wedge.

🍹 If you’d like to make this into a cocktail, add 1 cup bourbon, vodka, or white rum to the mixture.  Bourbon is my personal favorite.

Serves 6