4 refreshing iced tea recipes to beat the summer heat

A happy escape from the summer heat, iced tea can be the best cure for summer thirst as it can cool your body and refresh your senses. Tea lovers can explore a whole host of flavors while trying different recipes for this summer drink with seasonal fruits like mango, peaches and cherries to name a few. Whether it’s the classic lemon iced tea that has fans around the world, fruity flavors, or the refreshing taste of mint, this amazing drink never ceases to surprise. If you’re concerned about your health and tend to avoid sugar-laden cold drinks or soda, iced tea may be your best bet. Rich in antioxidants and good for metabolism, iced tea not only helps you beat the heat but also brings many health benefits. Aside from the power of flavonoids, antioxidants and GABA that can help boost immunity, drinking iced tea can hydrate your body well in the scorching summer heat. (Read also: 8 amazing summer drinks that will help you beat the heat wave)

“Drinking fresh, fruit-based iced tea can help maintain and enhance hydration. The GABA receptors in tea leaves help reduce anxiety and stress when consumed in moderate amounts. Tea leaves are also rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients that help strengthen bones.” ” The immune system and fight infections. Fresh fruit iced tea with mint, lemon, and natural local honey can help lose weight and speed up the metabolism, leading to effective weight loss. Iced tea can also be a healthy alternative to soda or diet. Soft drinks are full of artificial sweeteners and flavors with zero nutrient factor. Iced tea, on the other hand, if consumed in unsweetened form is an ideal health drink. Iced tea is also a good source of flavonoids and fluoride. Fluoride is required for stronger bones and teeth. It also prevents tooth decay and fights chronic diseases,” says Sneha Sanjay, senior executive nutritionist, Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Jayanagar.

Sneha Sanjay also shares healthy iced tea recipes that you can easily try at home.

1. Lemon iced tea

ingredients

Water – 300 ml

Tea leaves – 2 tablespoons

Lemon juice – 10 ml

Sugar/honey – 1 tbsp

• Boil 300 ml of water and add the tea leaves. We leave it on the fire until it boils well so that the tea flavor infuses.
• Add the sugar and leave it until it cools completely.
• When it reaches room temperature, add lemon juice and strain.
• Refrigerate this for a few hours and enjoy a cold drink.

2. Peach iced tea

ingredients

Peach puree – 2 tablespoons

Tea bags – 3

Water – 300 ml

ice Cube

Honey/sugar – 1 tbsp

road

• In a pot of boiling water, immerse the tea bags and leave them to brew completely.
• When it cools to normal temperature, add ice cubes and leave to cool.
• Add honey and stir well.
• In a cup, add fresh peach puree and half a spoon of lemon juice for an extra twist. Shake well.
• Add the cooled iced tea and mix well.

3. Iced cherry tea

ingredients

Cherry syrup – 15-20 ml

Crushed fresh cherries – 2

Water – 300 ml

ice Cube

Sugar – 2 tablespoons

Tea bags – 3

road

• Boil the tea bags in hot water until they are completely brewed.
• Cool it and stir in some honey or sugar.
• Add fresh ground cherries and cherry syrup and mix well.
• Add more ice cubes for a cold drink.

4. Mango iced tea

ingredients

Mango pulp/syrup – 2 tbsp

Water – 300 ml

Tea bags – 3

Mint leaves- 5-6

Honey/sugar – 2 tablespoons

ice Cube

road

• Boil tea bags in hot water and then cool them completely.
• Add ice cubes and mango pulp. Refrigerate for 2 hours.
• In a glass, crush fresh mint leaves.
• Add mango iced tea to this cup, add honey, and for more sour flavor add half a spoon of lemon juice.