You’ve finally developed the perfect outdoor living space. You have comfy chairs, cooling fans, and lighting strung in the trees to set the mood. What better way to welcome summer than by throwing a vibrant garden party with your closest friends on your newly revamped porch or patio? Of course, you need fabulous potted plants and vines to complete the look, but no party is complete without these healthy and refreshing summer teas. Check out our favorites below!
Strawberry Chamomile Twist
An excellent choice for a more laid back gathering, this fruity tea can be made beforehand with just a few simple steps. No need to stress! Simply sip and enjoy.
Ingredients:
- 8 chamomile tea bags
- 12 cups water
- 2 small juice oranges, peeled, cut into slices and seeded
- 24 strawberries, halved
- 4 tsp honey
- 4 tsp hot water
Instructions:
- Place all ingredients in a large pitcher.
- Cover and place in the fridge for at least 12 hours or overnight.
- Remove tea bags, but leave the fruit.
- Combine honey and hot water in a small dish and stir until it is dissolved. Add to the pitcher and mix well.
- Serve with mint leaves as a garnish!
Half ‘n’ Half
Known as an Arnold Palmer, this classic summer drink combines black tea and lemonade for the perfect refreshing concoction. Add a little bourbon or spiced rum for an alcoholic twist to take your party up a notch.
Ingredients:
- 4 English breakfast tea bags
- 1 tea kettle filled with boiling water
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 lemon, zested
- 2 cups ice cubes
- Stevia drops to taste
Instructions:
- Add tea bags to boiling water and let steep for 5 minutes.
- Remove tea bags and place in the freezer to cool for at least 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, add remaining ingredients to blender and pulse until pureed to make the lemonade.
- Place in freezer for at least five minutes.
- Place a few ice cubes in a large glass and fill most of the way with tea.
- Scoop lemon slush into same glass and stir.
Easy Mint Tea
This tea is great to whip up with fresh mint from your patio for a laid-back lunch or dinner party.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon loose Chinese green tea
- 5 cups boiling water
- 2 small bunches fresh spearmint, rinsed
- Honey to taste
Instructions:
- Add tea to boiling water and let steep for 3 minutes.
- Then add mint and honey and stir to combine. Let steep for another 3 minutes.
- Strain and place in the refrigerator to chill.
- Let chill for at least two hours before serving over ice.
Cherry Basil Mixer
The unique flavors of cherries and basil pair wonderfully in this tart, yet naturally sweet beverage to bring an exciting element to your get-together.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cherries, stemmed and pitted
- 1 cup basil leaves, loosely packed
- 6 cups boiling water
- Natural sweetener of choice, if desired
- 1 lime, for garnish
- Ice
Instructions:
- Add basil and cherries to a large pitcher and pour boiling water over them.
- Let sit for two hours.
- Crush herbs and cherries gently with a spoon to bruise them and increase flavor.
- Strain and refrigerate and add sweetener to taste, if desired.
- Serve in a tall glass with ice and garnish with a lime wedge.
Rosewater tea
This elegant beverage will look beautiful in a glass pitcher and is perfect for a more dressy endeavor. Plus, the taste is just as sophisticated and will elevate your party to a whole new level of class.
Ingredients:
- 9 tsp loose leaf black tea
- 2 Tbsp dried rosebuds
- 6 cups boiling water
- 2 Tbsp honey
- 1 tsp rosewater
Instructions:
- Add tea and rosebuds to boiling water and let steep for 5 minutes.
- Strain the tea and stir in honey until it dissolves.
- Keep refrigerated for 3 hours before serving.
- Add rosewater and ice and stir.
Classic Watermelon Tea
Watermelon is the quintessential summer fruit. Cut any leftovers into cubes and serve alongside this delicious drink.
Ingredients:
- 2 large black iced tea bags
- 4 cups boiling water
- 6 cups watermelon, diced
- 1 lime, juiced
- Honey, to taste
Instructions:
- Add tea bags and boiling water to a large pitcher.
- Let steep for 7 minutes.
- Remove bags and allow the tea to chill for a few hours.
- Puree the watermelon in a blender and then strain through a fine sieve, making sure to extract as much juice as possible. Throw away the pulp.
- Stir watermelon juice, lime juice, and honey into the tea pitcher.
- Serve over ice with lime wedges to garnish.
-Taylor Ramsey
