Cooling Summer Beverages To Entice the Chai Lover In You
Here are some cooling teas we recommend switching to post-iftar to satiate your brain cells with a theanine kick. Plus points – these are great summer coolers, effective in lowering your body temperature.
Lemongrass Tea
Ingredients:
- 2 cups water (as required)
- 5 -6 lemongrass stalks (chopped, add more for stronger flavor)
- Sugar to taste (alternately, 1 tsp. of honey)
- Lime wheels for garnish (optional)
Method:
Bring the water to boil in a saucepan. Begin adding lemongrass stalks gradually and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Strain the stalks from tea before pouring into teacups. Stir in your choice of sweetener. Add ice cubes for chilled tea.
Peppermint Tea
Ingredients:
- 2 cups water
- Fresh mint leaves (peppermint or spearmint)
- Sugar or honey as sweetener
- Ice cubes (optional)
- Lemon juice (optional)
- Lime wheels (optional)
Method:
Follow brewing steps as mentioned above. However, you can choose not to strain the mint leaves as they are edible and carry a distinct, refreshing taste. Add ice cubes for cold tea.
Hibiscus Tea
Ingredients:
- Packaged hibiscus tea (easily available at organic stores)
Or
- 4-5 Fresh/dried hibiscus flowers
- Water as required
- Honey or sugar
- Any additional herbs like basil, lemongrass, lemon zest etc. (optional)
Method:
Prepping - If using fresh hibiscus flowers, remove the calyx or the green part at the base of the flower to which the stem is attached. You can also remove the pistil which is the thin thread like tube in the middle of the flower which has pollen attached to it or you can choose to keep it. You don’t need to do this if you are using dried flowers.
Bring the hibiscus flowers/packaged tea to boil. Turn off the flame and add additional herbs such as basil, lemon grass, lemon zest etc. Let the tea steep for 15-20 minutes. Mix in the honey and lime juice till completely combined. Strain the tea, add ice cubes for an even more chilled version.
