The Best Tea Flavors for Summer Sipping
Like food, people's taste buds often crave something different in the summertime. When it comes to refreshing beverages that are perfect for sipping during the summer months, few things can compare to a nice, cold glass of iced tea.
Whether you prefer your tea sweetened or unsweetened, there are so many different tea flavors and blends to choose from, making it difficult to know where to start. That's why we've compiled this guide of top tea flavors for summer sipping.
It will look at why iced tea is one of the world's most popular cold beverages and then dive into the best iced teas you can choose from. Finally, we give you some cold and hot tea ideas to help ramp up your summer.
Whether you're a die-hard tea fanatic or just looking for a new drink to help beat the heat, we've got you covered.
Is Iced Tea The World's Most Refreshing Drink?
Iced tea is an incredibly refreshing and delicious beverage perfect for any occasion. Whether you're lounging by the pool on a summer day and need to cool down or just looking for a quick and simple way to quench your thirst, drinking iced tea is a true delight. Here's why:
It's versatile
One of the things that makes drinking iced tea so great is its versatility. With a wide variety of flavors and brewing methods, there's an iced tea out there for everyone. Whether you prefer classic black tea, a refreshing green tea, or a fruity herbal blend, there's an iced tea recipe that will suit you.
It's easy to make
Another great thing about iced tea is that it's incredibly easy to make. All you need is your favorite high-quality loose tea leaves, water, and something to add a little sweetness if you like. Simply steep the tea in hot water, let it cool down, and then serve it over ice. It's that simple!
It's a healthier choice
Iced tea is also a great alternative to sugary sodas and other unhealthy beverages. By choosing iced tea, you can enjoy a tasty and refreshing drink without consuming all the added sugars and artificial flavors found in many other beverages.
Instead of using sugar, you can add fresh raspberries or strawberries for a delicate sweetness. Or you can add a splash of honey. Some of the best teas are caffeine-free and packed with healthy compounds like antioxidants and amino acids.
It's great for socializing
Aside from its great taste and health properties, iced tea is also an excellent way to socialize with friends and family. Whether you're having a pool party or a picnic, hosting a backyard barbecue, or just hanging out with friends, a pitcher of iced tea will help keep everyone cool, hydrated, and happy.
It's thirst-quenching
In addition, iced tea is a great way to stay hydrated in hot weather. With its cooling properties and delicious flavors, iced tea is the ideal way to beat the heat and stay refreshed no matter how high the temperatures climb.
Overall, there are countless reasons why iced tea is a great beverage. From its versatility and ease of preparation to its health benefits and social appeal, iced tea is truly one of the best drinks around. So the next time you're looking for a refreshing and delicious beverage, be sure to reach for a glass of iced tea!
Flavors and Fun!
If you plan to have fun gatherings all summer long, classic lemon iced tea is always an excellent option. But why not mix it up? There are so many refreshing summer tea flavors to choose from. Here are some ideas for tasty summer teas you can try:
Lemon and ginger
First up on our list of refreshing summer tea flavors is the classic combination of lemon and ginger. This blend is perfect for tea lovers who love a bit of spice with their sweet tea. The lemon's tangy tartness pairs perfectly with the warm, earthy spiciness of the ginger, creating a refreshing and invigorating drink.
This tea is also great for settling an upset stomach or easing a sore throat, making it the ideal choice for active people who want to stay healthy during the summer months. You can make a refreshing glass of lemon and ginger tea at home by brewing some A Good Root tea and adding some lemon juice, a little piece of lemon peel for extra zest, and a couple of slices of ginger to the brew. Enjoy it hot, or cool it down - it's delicious both ways!
Iced green tea
Next on our list is a classic favorite: iced green tea. This healthy tea is packed with antioxidants and other healthy compounds, making it an ideal beverage for those wanting to stay healthy and hydrated during the summer months.
Whether you prefer plain green tea or some with a hint of honey or some fresh mint leaves, you can choose from plenty of delicious blends. Plus, green tea is a versatile base that can be paired with many different flavors, making it perfect for people who like to experiment with their tea. Here are some fantastic options you can try.
If you don't like green tea's fresh, earthy taste, you can use white tea instead. It's from the same plant as green and black teas but a little milder. Both teas will cool you down when you need it!
Exotic hibiscus iced tea
If you enjoy something a little more exotic, try Sweet Hibiscus Rooibos tea and add some fresh mint. This sweet tea combination is perfect for those who love a fruity, tangy taste with a hint of cooling mint, and it's loaded with Vitamin C!
Hibiscus tea is known for its bright red color and tart flavor, which is perfect for sipping on hot summer days. When paired with a refreshing burst of mint, hibiscus tea becomes a refreshing and invigorating beverage perfect for any occasion, especially if you want to stay cool and relax in summer.
Peach iced tea
This is a simple tea recipe with a complex flavor profile for those who love a little bit of sweetness in their tea. Simply blend some fresh peaches and freshly brewed black tea and chill it in the fridge. This combination makes the perfect drink for those who want a refreshing, fruity flavor that is bold enough to hold its own in a glass of ice.
The fruity sweetness of the fresh peaches pairs perfectly with the boldness of black tea. It creates a beverage that is both refreshing and satisfying. Peach iced tea is also great for those who want some caffeine to help them power through the day - something really useful when hot weather makes us lazy!
Mint and lemon
Last but not least on our list of top tea flavors for summer sipping is the classic combination of mint and lemon. So many tea recipes feature these ingredients, and it's for a good reason!
The combination is perfect for people who want a refreshing, zesty tea that is perfect for cooling down on a hot summer day. The crisp, clean flavor of the mint leaves pairs perfectly with the lemon's tartness, creating an invigorating and satisfying drink. This tea is also an excellent choice for people who want the added health properties of green teas.
You don't even need a tea recipe to make this at home. Simply add fresh mint and some lemon juice to any high-quality loose-leaf tea. You'll be spoilt for choice with Firebelly teas!
Hot Tea For Summer Heat
Yes, you read that correctly. Did you know that drinking a piping hot cup of tea can actually cool you down? It may sound counterintuitive, but the science behind it is pretty cool. When you drink a hot beverage, your body's natural reaction is to start sweating, which helps to cool you down.
As the sweat begins to evaporate from your skin, it takes some heat with it, leaving you feeling cooler and refreshed. So the next time you feel hot and bothered, you're not limited to iced teas. Feel free to enjoy a steaming cup of tea on a hot day instead!
Arnold Palmer, Anyone?
This tea guide would not be complete without mentioning this classic beverage. An Arnold Palmer combines iced tea and lemonade served with ice cubes. What can be more refreshing than a sip of this sweet tea?
In case you're wondering, this refreshing iced tea is named after the legendary golfer Arnold Palmer, who was not only known for his exceptional skills on the course but also for his love of this drink. The blend of tangy fresh lemonade and smooth iced tea is a perfect combination that has become a staple in both households and restaurants.
It's a drink perfect for any occasion, whether you are playing a round of golf or simply relaxing on a hot summer day. The Arnold Palmer drink is a testament to the golfer's enduring legacy and his impact on the world beyond the sport.
If this sounds great to you? Here's a tea recipe to whip up a fresh Arnold Palmer in minutes.
Beat The Summer Heat With Your Favorite Drink
There are many different teas you can choose from when it comes to summer sipping. Whether you prefer a cup of sweet tea, a fruity blend, or a classic combination of mint and lemon, there is a tea out there that is perfect for you.
If you're up for a tea-making adventure, look at our top 5 picks for best-iced tea recipes, or enjoy a cup of hot tea. If you're unsure, try the Here Comes The Sun tea sampler. It has three delicious blends. One contains green tea for an energy boost, and two are caffeine-free herbal tea - perfect for relaxing on a lazy summer day. Your taste buds will thank you for every sip!