Recommended Summer Tea Drinks & Mixes

Hot summer weather increases the need for fluids. Water remains the best choice for hydration, but tea can add flavor and variety.

You can drink these five tea blends hot or chilled. However, tea cannot prevent or treat heatstroke. Move to a cool place and seek urgent medical help if someone develops confusion, fainting, seizures, or very hot skin.

Five Teas for Summer

Mint Leaves and Green or White Tea

Mint adds a cool and fresh flavor to tea. Its natural menthol creates a cooling feeling in the mouth.

Some people also drink mint tea after meals. However, research does not support every traditional claim linked with mint.

Green and white teas pair well with mint. Both produce a light drink that you can enjoy hot or over ice.

How to Prepare It

1. Wash several fresh mint leaves.
2. Add the leaves and 3 grams of green or white tea to a teapot.
3. Pour hot water over the ingredients.
4. Steep for 2–4 minutes.
5. Strain and serve hot or chilled.

Avoid boiling water when brewing delicate green or white tea. Water between 175°F and 190°F often creates a smoother flavor.

Safety Notes

Mint can worsen heartburn or acid reflux in some people. Large amounts may also cause stomach discomfort.

Green and white teas contain caffeine. Choose decaffeinated tea or avoid it near bedtime if caffeine affects your sleep.

Normal amounts of mint used in food and tea are generally acceptable during pregnancy. However, pregnant people should ask a healthcare professional before consuming concentrated herbal products.

Monk Fruit and Green Tea

Monk fruit has a strong natural sweetness. It can balance the fresh and slightly bitter taste of green tea without added sugar.

This blend can provide a refreshing drink during warm weather. However, it cannot prevent heatstroke or replace water during heavy work and exercise.

How to Prepare It

1. Rinse the dried monk fruit.
2. Break off a small piece rather than using the entire fruit.
3. Simmer the monk fruit in water for several minutes.
4. Allow the water to cool slightly.
5. Pour it over 3 grams of green tea.
6. Steep for 2–3 minutes and strain.

Monk fruit can taste extremely sweet. Start with a small piece and add more only if needed.

Safety Notes

Monk fruit may cause digestive discomfort in some people. Stop drinking it if you notice bloating, nausea, or another reaction.

Green tea contains caffeine. It also cannot replace water and electrolytes after heavy sweating.

People who work outside should take regular breaks, drink fluids, and move into shade or air conditioning when possible.

Red Dates and Aged White Tea

Red dates, also called jujubes, add a mild fruit flavor and natural sweetness. They pair well with the mellow taste of aged white tea.

Traditional Chinese practices often connect red dates with nourishment. However, tea made with red dates does not treat anemia or replace medical care.

How to Prepare It

1. Cut one dried red date into small pieces.
2. Add the pieces and 7 grams of aged white tea to a teapot.
3. Pour hot water over the ingredients.
4. Steep for 3–5 minutes.
5. Strain and serve.

You can use less tea for a lighter drink. Aged white tea may become strong or bitter when brewed for too long.

Safety Notes

Red dates contain natural sugar and carbohydrates. People who monitor their blood sugar should account for them in their diet.

White tea also contains caffeine. The exact amount depends on the leaves and brewing method.

Tangerine Peel and Tieguanyin or Ripe Pu-erh

Dried tangerine peel adds a bright citrus aroma and a slightly bitter finish. It pairs well with floral Tieguanyin and earthy ripe Pu-erh.

Some traditional tea practices use dried citrus peel after meals. However, it should not replace care for lasting appetite or digestive problems.

How to Prepare It

1. Rinse a small piece of dried tangerine peel.
2. Slice or break it into smaller pieces.
3. Add it to 7 grams of Tieguanyin or ripe Pu-erh.
4. Pour hot water over the ingredients.
5. Steep according to the tea style and strain.

Start with a small amount of peel. Too much can overpower the tea and create a strong bitter taste.

Safety Notes

Citrus may worsen acid reflux in some people. Stop drinking the blend if it causes heartburn or stomach discomfort.

Use food-grade dried tangerine peel from a trusted source. Decorative peels or untreated fresh peels may contain dirt, wax, or pesticide residue.

Lemon and Black Tea

Lemon adds a bright and tart flavor to black tea. You can serve this simple blend hot or cold.

The drink may feel soothing when the throat becomes dry. However, it does not remove mucus from the lungs or treat an infection.

How to Prepare It

1. Brew 3 grams of black tea in hot water.
2. Steep for 3–5 minutes.
3. Remove the tea leaves.
4. Add one fresh lemon slice or a small amount of lemon juice.
5. Serve hot or pour over ice.

Add the lemon after brewing. This method gives you greater control over the flavor.

Safety Notes

Lemon is acidic and may irritate acid reflux, mouth sores, or sensitive teeth. Rinse your mouth with plain water after drinking it.

Drinking lemon tea does not make the skin more sensitive to sunlight. However, citrus juice or peel oil left directly on the skin can cause a reaction after sun exposure. Wash it off before going outside.

Black tea contains caffeine. Avoid it late in the day if caffeine disrupts your sleep.

Staying Safe in Summer Heat

Tea can form part of a summer hydration routine. Plain water should still provide most of your fluids.

Drink more during exercise, outdoor work, or heavy sweating. Limit very sugary drinks and excessive alcohol.

Tea and other caffeinated drinks can still contribute to daily fluid intake. However, people sensitive to caffeine may prefer decaffeinated or caffeine-free options.

Move to a cooler place if you feel dizzy, weak, nauseated, or unusually tired. These symptoms may signal heat exhaustion.

Call for emergency help if someone becomes confused, loses consciousness, has a seizure, or develops very hot skin. These may be signs of heatstroke.