Summer Solstice is near & as everyday in June passes the sun is getting brighter & brighter! In most places, we are already experiencing the summer heat, & it is only the beginning of the season. What better way to stay cool than with a nice tall glass of refreshing iced tea?
Not only can Tea help us beat the heat - There are many benefits of drinking Tea, such as…
It Protects Heart Health
Boosts Energy
Supports Mental Health
Regulate Blood Sugar
Aids Digestion
Allows for Moment of Mindfulness
Here is a step by step on how you can brew & make your own Iced Tea from loose leaf tea!
To achieve the best tasting tea possible, begin by steeping it in hot water for 3-5 minutes ... Then, add cold water to the remaining pitcher & refrigerate. When ready to serve, make sure you pour over ice. This simple technique ensures that you extract the maximum flavor from your herbal teas!
STEP 1: Add loose leaf tea into a French Press, glass teapot infuser, mesh tea infuser, or whatever you prefer to use when steeping loose leaf tea.
Here is the ratio to follow: 1 tsp of tea per 6-8 oz of water
STEP 2: Gently pour 3 cups of hot water & steep for 5 minutes.
STEP 3: When done steeping, Add 2-3 cups of ice-cold water (yes actually include ice cubes!)
STEP 4: Taste test your brewed tea
STEP 5: Add water if you would like a lighter flavor or Add more ice, as it will also dilute the flavor as it melts.
STEP 6: Customize your tea if you are the type to add in a little extra flavor, this can include honey, lemon, cane sugar, etc.
STEP 7: Leave to cool in the fridge for a minimum of 1 hour, & then it is ready to serve!
Want to take an extra step to make your Iced Tea even more refreshing? Make it into a Lemonade Iced Tea!
STEP 1: Follow the Steps 1-4 as listed above in order to make your Iced Tea Base.
STEP 2: Set this aside to cool, preferably in the fridge.
STEP 3: As it cools, cut & squeeze about 6-8 Lemons.
STEP 4: Combine the lemon juice into the container of your Iced Tea Base.
STEP 5: After stirring - do a taste test! Get ready to pucker up if necessary. This is where you will decipher if & how much sugar you would like to add - It is not necessary but depending on the tea type you have brewed, a little cane sugar might make this taste better!
STEP 6: Gradually add in & stir the cane sugar, starting off with ½ cup & adding in more if necessary from there (If you have the time, make simple syrup to sweeten instead - in a stove top heat 1 cup of water to 1 cup of cane sugar until dissolved & has syrup consistency.)
STEP 7: When you can happily approve of the taste of your Lemonade Iced Tea - Serve over ice!
Want to go even further with making this the best summer drink yet?
Make some Botanical Ice Cubes!
This can be done easily by adding in edible botanical flowers into your ice cube tray once you have filled it with water.
Of course, let it sit in the freezer until the ice cubes are solid!
Please, Ensure the flowers you use are safe to eat before consuming.
Happy Summer! Make sure to stay cool, stay refreshed, & stay hydrated! Please take a moment to view my Herbal Tea collection in my store. My Handcrafted All Natural Herbal Teas are made up of a blend of pure organic herbs, plants, & leaves. All proceeds of tea purchases benefit The Path, the nonprofit organization I have founded.
Blessings of Love & Light ~