No matter how unreliable British summertime can be, we are expected to have plenty of hot days coming up. When it’s hot outside, the first thing you likely want to do is reach for a cold drink, but what if we told you that the drink you should be reaching for is tea?
You’ve probably heard it a million times from your nan, but it’s true: one of the best drinks that you can have when you’re hot is a delicious warm drink of tea, but even if you aren’t fancying a hot drink, nothing beats a tasty iced tea.
At LEAF, we know a little something about tea leaves, and in this guide, we will jump into why we think tea is the perfect summer drink and give our recommendations for some of the best.
Why Tea is the Perfect Summer Drink
When the sun is shining, it can be easy to want to reach for a cold fizzy drink or even a slushy if you’re lucky. Still, even though these drinks may temporarily reduce your heat, you’ll be paying for all the sugar with dehydration, energy crashes and some seriously questionable-looking and feeling skin.
Summer is when you want to glow most, and it’s also the time of year when it can be really easy to accidentally dehydrate your body, especially when you’re depending on fizzy cold drinks to get you through.
Tea not only tastes delicious, but a hot cup of tea triggers your body’s natural cooling mechanisms, helping you stay cool on even the hottest days.
But we get it: not everyone can bring themselves to drink a hot beverage when the sun is shining, but that’s the beauty of the versatility of tea; it can be enjoyed both hot and cold, making it the perfect summer beverage.
The Best Teas for Summer
Ready to embrace the power of loose leaf tea this summer but not sure where to start? Here are some of the best teas for summer.
Lemon and Ginger
Lemon and ginger tea is the best tea for summer. Perfect for enjoying both warm and cold, lemon and ginger tea promotes natural cooling, supports digestion, and provides a refreshing hydration boost that we all need this summer.
In the summer, we can all be partial to an indulgent BBQ or a last-minute picnic, but both of these can play havoc on our digestive system, so it’s always beneficial to have a lovely cup of lemon and ginger tea in hand.
Lemon contains potassium and electrolytes, perfect for staying hydrated, and ginger has anti-nausea properties, perfect for those days when the heat gets a bit overwhelming.
Hibiscus and Berry
Looking for a caffeine-free tea that cools your body and helps you stay hydrated? Look no further. Hibiscus and berry tea is packed with antioxidants, giving your skin and body the extra boost it needs on those hot days.
Hibiscus has been said to help the body release excess heat, offering a natural drop in temperature when you need it most, and matched with the Vitamin C and flavonoids found in berries, this tea makes for a brilliant solution in the hot weather. Browse our range of fruit teas to find your perfect blend.
Classic Green Tea
There’s no denying that at LEAF, we are massive fans of green tea, and we aren’t quiet about all the health benefits of green tea, so it’s no surprise that it makes the perfect summer drink.
Green tea naturally aids hydration, is packed with antioxidants, and helps support digestion, making it the best drink for the hotter months. There’s no denying that green tea has a plethora of health benefits, and whether you enjoy it hot or cold, you need to introduce it into your routine this summer.
Chamomile
Chamomile tea is known widely for its calming properties, which actually come in handy during summer, relieving tension and helping to release heat. If you want an escape from the heat-related bloating that we all experience during the summer, chamomile is the solution for you.
Susceptible to sunburn or skin issues during the hotter months? Chamomile has been proven to calm UV-stressed skin, soothing discomfort after a long day soaking up the rays. Find chamomile and more in our herbal tea collection.
How to Make the Perfect Iced Tea at Home
Making a cold brew tea couldn’t be easier. Though tea can be enjoyed both hot and cold, we understand the appeal of pouring yourself a delicious iced tea when the sun is shining and making your own brew couldn’t be easier. For more tips on getting the most from your tea, take a look at our brewing guides.
Pick Your Tea
Almost any tea works, but fruity blends work especially well, think strawberry, apple, passionfruit, or berries.
Measure It Out
Add one tablespoon of loose-leaf tea per 24oz of water. Adjust to taste, more for stronger, less for weaker.
Brew in the Fridge
Pop your tea and water into the fridge and leave it for 6 to 12 hours. The longer you leave it, the stronger the flavour.
Short on Time?
Let it brew at room temperature first to speed things up, then move it to the fridge or add ice to cool it down.
Strain and Serve
Strain the tea into individual glasses rather than straining the whole jug at once, much less messy.
Remember, tea comes with health benefits no matter if it’s served piping hot or iced, so have it however you’d prefer this summer.
How Tea Can Improve Wellness This Summer
Still not convinced? Here are some of the ways that tea can improve your wellness this summer. For a deeper dive, check out our full guide to the benefits of loose leaf tea.
Skin Glow and Hydration
Any skincare specialist will tell you that one of the best ways to improve the appearance of your skin is through hydration. If you swap sugary drinks this summer for cups of tea, not only will you improve your daily water intake, but you will also help improve the overall appearance of your skin this summer. Certain teas, such as green tea and chamomile, can help reduce inflammation, creating a smoother base.
Boosting Energy
Are you guilty of enjoying one too many coffees, only to face jitters and energy crashes by the afternoon? Swapping your afternoon coffee for a refreshing tea is the ultimate way to beat the slump. While coffee gives you that sudden, aggressive spike followed by a dramatic crash, tea contains a magical little amino acid called L-theanine. When combined with tea’s natural caffeine, it creates a sustained, steady release of energy. You’ll get all the alertness and focus you need to power through those balmy afternoons, completely free from the dreaded jitters. Browse our teas by benefit to find the best options for an energy boost.
Gut Health and Digestion
Summer often means firing up the BBQ, enjoying heavier picnic foods, or indulging in ice creams to keep cool. While delicious, this can leave your digestive system feeling a little sluggish and bloated.
Thankfully, herbal and green teas are fantastic for getting things moving. Ingredients like ginger, peppermint, and chamomile work wonders at relaxing the digestive tract, easing bloating, and helping your body process all those summer treats with ease.
Find Your Perfect Tea This Summer
There is no denying that tea is the ultimate summer multitasker. Whether you are brewing up a classic hot cuppa to trigger your body’s natural cooling system or pouring a beautifully vibrant fruit infusion over a glass packed with ice, your body and your skin will thank you for it.
At LEAF, we offer a range of wonderful teas for you to enjoy this summer, so take a look at what we have to offer or get in touch to find out more.
