Tropical iced teas

It may be the middle of winter, but it's never too early to dream of life in more southerly climes, of palms swaying in the warm breeze, of deep blue waters lapping the white shoals of some dot on the map nestled betwen the famed parallels of Cancer and Capricorn. And although the realities of daily life may prevent you from hopping a jet to Hawaii, these quick iced teas will have you ready to break out the shades and SPF-45. Forget about wind-chill; these iced teas are all about chillin' out and hanging loose. Impress your friends or just relax on the front porch with these authentic Hawaiian recipes.

Makes 2 servings

- 4 glasses, 2 preferably frosted
- 1 teaspoon

- Powdered iced tea mix or tea bag
- Powdered lemonade mix (for Arnold Palmer)
- 1 12-oz can pineapple juice (for Kekoa Special)
- 1 12-oz can mango juice (for Mango Monsoon)
- Ice
- Mint sprig (optional)
- Pineapple chunks (optional)

Preparations:

For lemonade iced tea (A.K.A. the Arnold Palmer):

2. Mix equal parts iced tea and lemonade in each frosted glass.

3. Sweeten to taste.

For mango iced tea (A. K. A. the Mango Monsoon):

2. Mix 2 parts mango juice to 1 part iced tea in each frosted glass, or flavor to taste.

For pineapple iced tea (A. K. A. the Kekoa Special)

2. Mix 2 parts pineapple juice to 1 part iced tea in each frosted glass, or flavor to taste.

Serve all teas on the rocks, in frosted glasses. For enhanced presentation, place a mint sprig in each glass and a pineapple chunk on the rim.