These Herbal Iced Tea Recipes Are Perfect for Summer

Summer is not the time to stop drinking tea - even if you're not a fan of drinking a warm beverage in the 90 degree heat. There are plenty of ways to enjoy the benefits of herbs in a refreshing and cooling manner during the summer months. Herbal iced teas, infused waters, and herbal popsicles are just a few creative options to consider. So, if you're looking for ways to stay hydrated and nourished while enjoying the flavors and benefits of your favorite herbs, these recipes are for you.

In this article, we will explore a selection of delicious and healthy herbal tea recipes that are perfect for making iced drinks. From the tangy vibrance of hibiscus to the delicate sweetness of white tea peach blends, these recipes offer a variety of flavors that cater to different palates.

1. Hibiscus Tea

Hibiscus tea is visually appealing with its vibrant red color and has a tangy taste that makes it perfect for refreshing iced drinks. But it's not just about looks and flavor – this herbal tea also offers many health benefits that make it a great choice for your summer beverages. Hibiscus Splash is an organic herbal tea blend that combines hibiscus petals with lemongrass, orange, and rosehips for a zesty and invigorating blend.

Rich in antioxidants, hibiscus tea is known to help lower blood pressure, support heart health, and boost immunity. Plus, the natural tartness of hibiscus mixed with sweet rose hips means you can enjoy a flavorful drink without adding sugar. This makes it a guilt-free option for those looking to reduce their sugar intake. To make a refreshing iced hibiscus tea, simply steep the tea bags in hot water, let it cool, and then pour over ice.

Here's our favorite way to make this herbal iced tea drink:

Hibiscus Splash Iced Tea Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup Hibiscus Splash tea
• 4 cups water
• Ice cubes
• Fresh mint leaves or lemon slices for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Boil Water: Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium-sized pot (or electric kettle).
2. Steep Hibiscus Petals: Remove the pot from heat and add the Hibiscus Splash blend. Let them steep for about 10-15 minutes.
3. Strain: Strain the liquid into a pitcher to remove the hibiscus petals.
4. Chill: Allow the tea to cool to room temperature before refrigerating for at least 2 hours.
5. Serve: Fill glasses with ice cubes, pour over the chilled hibiscus tea, and garnish with fresh mint leaves or lemon slices if using.
   
   

Enjoy this refreshing hibiscus iced tea on hot days as a refreshing drink that's as tasty as it is beneficial for your body.

2. White Peach Iced Tea

White tea is known for its delicate flavor, which goes perfectly with the natural sweetness of ripe peaches. This combination creates a wonderfully refreshing iced tea with just a hint of caffeine to keep you energized on those hot summer days!

White tea is full of antioxidants and gives you a gentle boost of energy without the shaky feeling that stronger teas can sometimes cause. Peaches are packed with essential vitamins and their natural sweetness enhances the subtle flavors of white tea.

White Tea Peach Iced Tea Recipe

• 4 tablespoons of our Wedding Day tea blend (organic white tea, freeze dried peaches, orange, rose).
• 4 cups of water
• Ice cubes

1. Boil the water and let it cool slightly to around 175°F (80°C). White tea is best brewed at a lower temperature to preserve its delicate flavors.
2. Add the Wedding Day tea blend to a teapot or infuser. Pour the hot water over the tea leaves.
3. Allow the tea to steep for about 5-6 minutes. Strain the tea into a large pitcher.
4. Let the mixture cool to room temperature before pouring over ice. For best results, refrigerate before serving (sometimes I can't wait that long, either hah).
   
   

This recipe creates a perfect balance that brings out the subtle flavors of white tea and the luscious sweetness of peaches, making it an excellent choice for a classy summer drink.

3. Ginger Apple Green Tea

Teas sweetened with fruit flavors are great alternatives to the artificially sweetened drinks that are widely available. They not only offer a natural and refreshing taste but also provide health benefits, with only a little bit of sugar from the apple juice. This recipe in particular is a favorite of mine because of how the sweet, spicy and tart flavors blend to create a drink that is complex in flavor and an absolute hit at gatherings.

You will need:

• 1/2 cup apple juice
• 2 tbsp unsweetened cranberry juice
• 1 tbsp loose leaf green tea
• Fresh Mint, 1 handful minced
• 2 tsp grated fresh ginger
• zest of 1/2 lemon
• 1 cup water

Instructions:

1. Combine the apple juice, water, cranberry juice, green tea, mint, ginger and lemon zest in a lidded jar. Give it a good shake and pop it in the fridge overnight.
2. Strain and pour over ice!

4. Nutritive Tea Blend

Nutritive teas are carefully made to provide nourishment and essential nutrients from various herbal ingredients. These blends go beyond simple refreshment, offering a holistic approach to wellness by incorporating herbs known for their health-promoting properties.

Nutritive Herbal Tea Key Components:

• Raspberry Leaf: Known for its rich vitamin content, particularly B vitamins, and minerals such as magnesium, potassium, and iron. Raspberry leaf is often prized for its ability to support women's reproductive health.
• Nettle: A powerhouse of nutrition, nettle leaves are packed with vitamins A, C, K, and several B vitamins. They also offer minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium. Nettle is renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to support overall vitality.
• Lemon Balm: This fragrant herb is celebrated for its calming effects on the nervous system. It contains compounds that can help reduce stress and anxiety while promoting better sleep. Lemon balm also offers antiviral properties and aids in digestion.

Why Sun Tea?

Extracting these delicate herbs via sun tea harnesses the gentle warmth of the sun to draw out their beneficial properties without the harshness of boiling water. This method preserves the subtle flavors and nutrient profile of the herbs, resulting in a more balanced and healthful infusion. Cold infusions are also great for this reason.

Nutritive Herbal Sun Tea Recipe

• 4-6 tablespoons Nutritive tea blend (nettle, raspberry leaf, peppermint, rose petals, lemon balm)
• 4 cups water

1. Add the dried herbs to a lidded mason jar and fill with filtered water, leaving a little space at the top.
2. Secure the lid tightly and place the jar in a sunny spot outside or on a windowsill and give it a shake any time you pass by.
3. Let it steep for about 2-4 hours, depending on your taste preference.
4. Once brewed to your liking, strain out the herbs and transfer the tea into a clean container.
5. Chill in the refrigerator before serving over ice.
   
   

5. Lemongrass & Green Tea Blend for Focus

Lemongrass and green tea, especially when blended into herbal iced tea, offer a delightful mix of flavors and health benefits. The Focus tea blend stands out with its balanced combination of ingredients:

• Gunpowder Green Tea: Provides a mild caffeine boost, perfect for a gentle pick-me-up.
• Lemongrass: Adds refreshing citrusy notes, making the tea both zesty and invigorating.
• Tulsi (Holy Basil): Complements with its rounded, earthy flavor.
• Gotu Kola: Aids in enhancing mental clarity and focus.

Adaptogenic Properties of Tulsi Tea

Tulsi, also known as holy basil, is renowned for its adaptogenic properties. Adaptogens are natural substances that help the body adapt to stress and promote mental balance. They can enhance resilience, improve focus and clarity, and support overall well-being. Tulsi is considered a sacred herb in Ayurvedic medicine, where it has been used for centuries to promote health and longevity. Its adaptogenic properties make it an excellent addition to the Focus tea blend, creating a synergy with the green tea, lemongrass, and gotu kola.

Herbal Iced Tea Recipe for Focus & Clarity

• 4 tablespoons Focus blend (or 1 teaspoon each gunpowder green tea, lemongrass, tulsi, gotu kola).
• 4 cups cold water

1. Combine Ingredients: Add 4 tablespoons Focus blend to a lidded jar with 4 cups cold water.
2. Steep: Cover the jar and place it in the refrigerator. Let it steep for at least 6 hours or overnight for a stronger flavor.
3. Strain: Using a fine mesh strainer, remove the herbs and leaves from the liquid.
4. Sweeten (Optional): Add honey to taste if you prefer your iced tea slightly sweetened.
5. Serve: Pour over ice and enjoy!

This blend not only refreshes but also provides numerous health benefits thanks to its thoughtfully chosen ingredients.

Using Fresh Herbs for Iced Teas

Using fresh herbs in iced tea recipes has several advantages that enhance the experience of drinking a cold beverage. Fresh herbs like mint, basil, tulsi, and thyme offer stronger flavors and aromas than dried ones. These vibrant ingredients add a burst of freshness to your teas, making every sip a delightful sensory experience.

Advantages of Using Fresh Herbs

• Stronger Flavors: Fresh herbs provide more intense and nuanced flavors compared to their dried counterparts. For instance, fresh mint leaves impart a cool, crisp taste that's perfect for a refreshing iced tea.
• Aromatic Qualities: The scent of fresh herbs enhances the overall appeal of the drink. Basil and thyme add a fragrant complexity that makes each sip more enjoyable.
• Health Benefits: Fresh herbs retain more of their natural oils and nutrients, which means you get the maximum health benefits when using them in your iced teas.
  
  

Practical Tips for Sourcing, Storing, and Preparing Fresh Herbs

When it comes to incorporating fresh herbs into your iced tea recipes, a few practical tips can help you get the most out of these aromatic ingredients:

• Sourcing: Choose organic herbs whenever possible to avoid pesticide residues. If you have space, consider growing your own herb garden; this ensures you always have fresh herbs on hand.
• Storing: Keep fresh herbs in the refrigerator wrapped in a damp paper towel or place them in a glass of water like cut flowers. This keeps them hydrated and extends their freshness.
• Preparing: Before using fresh herbs in your iced tea, rinse them thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or impurities. Gently pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
  
  

Infusing Fresh Herbs into Iced Teas

To fully extract the flavors and benefits of fresh herbs, follow these simple steps:

1. Muddle: Lightly crush or bruise the herbs with a muddler or the back of a spoon to release their essential oils.
2. Steep: Add the muddled herbs to hot water and let them steep for 5-10 minutes before straining out the solids. For cold brews, simply add the herbs to cold water and refrigerate for several hours or overnight.
3. Combine: Mix the herb-infused water with other ingredients like fruit slices or sweeteners as desired.

Experimenting with different combinations of fresh herbs can lead to delightful discoveries in flavor profiles and aroma enhancements for your iced teas. The process is both versatile and rewarding, encouraging creativity while providing numerous health benefits.

Blending Tea Can Be Easy!

Embrace the vibrant world of herbal drinks and discover the joy of crafting your own iced herbal tea recipes. The provided recipes offer a starting point, encouraging you to experiment with flavors and ingredients to create your unique summer beverages.

Staying hydrated is essential, especially during hot weather. Iced herbal teas not only quench your thirst but also provide numerous health benefits. Each recipe brings its distinct blend of flavors and wellness properties, making every sip a delightful experience.

Whether you're looking for a refreshing drink to cool down on a scorching summer day or seeking natural remedies for various ailments, these herbal tea recipes have got you covered. So grab your favorite herbs, get creative, and embark on a journey of delicious and healthy concoctions. Cheers to a summer filled with flavorful sips and vibrant well-being!