Create an ice tea treat this summer to give your body a boost. While ice cold sweet tea is a common classic, you can custom make your own healthier concoction by barely lifting a finger and letting the sun (and a muddler) do some magic.
Making sun tea is as simple as tying several tea bags together, putting them in a large jug with water, sealing it tight and setting it in a bright sunny place. If you want smaller portions, put a single bag in a mason jar and seal it tight. Wait an hour or until the tea takes on color.
It’s up to you whether you go for black tea, green tea, decaf or fully loaded. Both black tea and green tea contain polyphenols, which means that both black and green tea provide antioxidants. Once you’ve brewed your tea, put in added oomph by using fruit and herbs instead of dumping in sugar.
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Sip On Healthy Summer Teas to Stay Refreshed
Be sure to mull (crush to release the oils and flavors) your additions in the bottom of your glass before you add ice cubes and pour in your tea.
Here are some extras you can add which will elevate your ice tea and move it beyond being just sip-worthy to become a refreshing health-boosting drink you’ll crave:
Mint and Honey Spearmint, pineapple mint, chocolate mint – the list goes on – are prolific in backyard gardens this time of year. Wash some leaves and mash them in the bottom of your cup. Mint is loaded with antioxidants, can ease digestive issues and even make you more mentally alert! If you want added sweetness, honey pairs well with mint.
Lemon Balm with a Squeeze! This herb is fairly easy to find if you ask around. Once it’s planted, it takes off and gardeners are usually more than willing to give piles of it away. A member of the mint family, lemon balm also provides antioxidants and a host of other health benefits. Plus, it adds a nice lemony zing to brewed tea. Compliment the flavor with a squeeze of fresh lemon for an added Vitamin-infused pick-me-up.
Muddled Mayhem Many fruits when muddled help make a delicious, interesting tea. Try lemon, orange, peaches or berries.
Another Option is to forego traditional black and green tea and go for bags of Herbal Tea when you make sun tea. Hibiscus tea, in particular, tastes great cold. The bright red brew is zingy and full of vitamin C and other antioxidants and fights inflammation. Other herbal teas that are flavorful on the rocks (and have immune boosting and healing properties) include mint, lemongrass, ginger and chamomile.
Sweet? Tangy? Smooth? Fruity? Pick a flavor and make a healthy tea!
You won’t have to think twice about pouring yourself a second glass of a cool ice tea brew.
