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Keeping Cool in the Long, Hot Summer
Nothing can slow down your summer fun like a dip in hydration on a super hot day. Try some of these fresh and fruity blends to help keep you and your friends and family cool and happy during those outdoor activities in the hottest part of the summer.
Fresh and Fruity Iced Tea
Audrey Scano, Tea Formulator
Pineapple sage is a bushy, tender species with a delicious, fruity aroma. It sprouts bright red flowers in the late summer and fall. Its leaves give this tea a delicate, subtle flavor.
To Brew 2 Quarts
2 quarts of water
1/2 cup fresh pineapple sage leaves
1/4 cup dried chamomile leaves
1/4 cup dried rose hips
1/4 cup shopped fresh lemon zest
Fresh pineapple sage leaves and blossoms for garnish
Bring water to a boil. Add herbs and lemon zest; cover and steep for 5 to 10 minutes. Strain and chill. Pour over ice; garnish with fresh pineapple sage leaves or blossoms.
Long Day in the Texas Sun Tea
Susan Witting Albert, Tea Formulator
Researchers are avidly investigating green tea's potential to lower the risks of skin cancer from sun exposure. Both Susan and her literary creation, China Bayles, live and garden in texas, where the sun is hot and powerful. This green tea is packed with cooling lemon-flavored herbs, refreshing rosemary and a little bit of ginger for spiciness.
To blend 50 servings
1/4 cup green tea
1/4 cup lemon
balm leaves
1/2 cup lemon-scented geranium leaves
1/4 cup lemon
verbena leaves
2 tablespoons lemon grass
2 tablespoons rosemary
2 tablespoons dried, chopped, ginger
root
Combine herbs and tea in a glass jar. Store away from light for up to one year.
To brew 4 cups
4 heaping teaspoons blend
4 cups water
Warm a 4-cup teapot. Heat water to a steady simmer; add water and blend to teapot. Allow to steep for 5 or more minutes. Serve warm, but not steaming hot.
Borage Cooler
This is a beautiful, fruity tonic punch that is decorated with borage leaves and flowers.
2 cups apple cider
Sliced lemons, oranges and strawberries
3 strips cucumber peel
10 borage leaves, shredded
2 cups sparkling mineral water
Mix and chill cider, sliced fruit, and cucumber for 1 hour. Then add water and ice cubes. Pour into a pretty punch bowl or pitcher and top with borage flowers and leaves.
Iced Lemongrass-Ade
Lemongrass is a refreshing herb for summer, cooling to the body, high in Vitamin A, and an all around nice choice for a healthy iced tea. It's another good blend to freeze and take along on summer-time outings.
1 part lemongrass
Honey or maple syrup to taste
Steep approximately 1 ounce lemongrass in 1 quart boiling water for 20 minutes in a covered pot. Strain and sweeten lightly. Serve iced.
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