The sun is out and it’s scorching hot! All we tea-lovers will agree that it’s never too hot for some garma garam milk tea. But the summers are a nice time to experiment with the delightfully diverse flavors and variations of iced-tea. What better way to keep cool than sipping on some delicious, refreshing iced-tea! If you’re still not convinced, read on to find why this rejuvenating beverage is the perfect go-to summertime drink.
Tea, because of its nature, is always a good choice of drink. It's low in calories, it hydrates you, has no fat or preservatives, and is packed with antioxidants and goodness! When you add to that the never-ending list of exciting flavors you can brew and have chilled, it’s really a no-brainer. Here’s a list of some superb iced teas you can brew for yourself, your friends and your family.
Green Tea with Mango and Cumin- Remember the feeling of downing a cold glass of Aam Panna after a grueling session of gully cricket during summer vacations? Yes, this drink takes you all the way back to when life was simpler. Bursting with the flavors of juicy yellow mangoes and the ripe tartness of green mangoes, this tea works so well when chilled with ice or as a cold brew! We recommend making it without milk and adding a teaspoon of jaggery powder. The cumin adds a certain sharpness to it which rounds it off beautifully.
Butterfly Pea flower and Lemongrass- We like to call this one Blue Lagoon because of the strikingly beautiful violet/blue color the tea obtains when brewed. The palate is dominated by citrusy notes and the irresistible aroma of lemongrass and kaffir lime. Steep the teabag in boiled water for at least 5 minutes before pouring into a cocktail shaker and adding 4-5 ice-cubes to enjoy it! The bright color and the rejuvenating feeling it gives you makes this a wonderful summertime choice.
Passionfruit Black Tea- Picture this. You’re lying on a hammock under the shade of a palm tree. There is a cool breeze. Your eyes are closed. This is how it’ll feel each time you take a sip of the wonderful Passion Fruit black tea even if you’re sitting on the couch of your living room. If we were to describe this drink in one word, it would be ‘tropical’. The sweetness and the rich, smooth finish stands out and makes it an excellent iced tea flavor.
Black Tea with Coconut and Pineapple- Picking up where we left off, here’s another tropical-based flavor. The refreshing flavors of coconut and pineapple paired with the pick-me-up that black tea provides you with a little burst of energy to get you through those extra humid-days. The juicy pineapple and the creamy coconut will take you to sandy beaches just as much as our Passion Fruit Black tea.
Hibiscus Tea with Strawberries- This exquisite blend of flavors was inspired by and is a tribute to the Polynesian Island- Tahiti. It combines Hibiscus tea with strawberries and cockscomb flowers to give a tart and jam-berry flavor. The delicate fruity taste along with striking pink-ruby color makes it a very attractive choice. It has a nice crisp, tart finish.
Rooibos Tea with Spiced Apple- Much like all our iced tea flavors the Rooibos tea is inspired by a certain location and culture, in this case, the drink will take you to the grasslands of Africa. Rooibos is a red herbal tea that comes from the fermented leaves of Aspalathus linearis shrub, a plant native to South Africa. The earthy, woody notes of rooibos combine perfectly with the spice notes from cinnamon and apple adds a touch of tartness to it. Not to mention, Rooibos is an herbal tea that's caffeine free and free of any tannins. It’s an excellent iced tea option for scorching summers.
These are some flavors to get you started on your iced-tea exploration journey! Try them and try as many flavors and variations as you want to find your favorites. Spend your summer sipping on some chilled brews and keep the heat away in a healthy, tasty way.