As the summer sun blazes and temperatures soar, finding ways to stay cool and refreshed becomes essential. One delightful and healthy way to beat the heat is by creating your own iced herbal drinks. These beverages are not only delicious but also packed with natural benefits that can help you stay hydrated and energized throughout the day.
Let’s explore a variety of herbal drink recipes that are easy to make, incredibly refreshing, and perfect for keeping you cool this summer. From minty coolers to floral infusions, these drinks are sure to become your go-to refreshments for sunny days. So, grab your herbs, get ready to experiment, and let's dive into some summer sips!
Lavender Lemonade
Originally shared by former ACHS Shipping Manager Kelly Johnson
Jazz up your typical summer lemonade by trying this lavender-infused concoction! Lavender’s sweet, herbaceous flavor complements the citrus of lemons and supports overall relaxation and gut health.
Ingredients:
- 6-quart beverage dispenser
- 1 12-ounce container of frozen lemonade (we use Organic Cascadian Lemonade Concentrate)
- ½ cup (or 4 ounces) of organic dried Lavender Lavandula angustifolia flowers. Double the quantity if using fresh herbs.
Directions:
Add the lavender flowers to 6 cups of hot water. Cover and let steep for 5-8 minutes. Strain the brewed lavender water and add it to the lemonade concentrate. Combine with plenty of ice and filtered water. For a garnish, use fresh-picked lavender sprigs, lemon wheels, and a dash of sugar if you like it a little sweeter and a little less tart!
Ginger Lemonade
Originally shared by ACHS Founding President Dorene Petersen
Another great way to spice up your lemonade is to incorporate ginger. Ground ginger not only adds a zest to your beverage, but it also promotes healthy digestion. Give this refresher a try!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of organic apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon of ground Ginger Zingiber officinale (or up to 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger juice)
- Juice of ½ an organic lemon
- Sweetener: Add to taste. (We love Stevia simple syrup or raw honey for the kids)
- Filtered water and ice: To fill a 1-quart jar
Directions:
Fill your 1-quart jar with ice. Add all ingredients. Add filtered water to fill the jar. Add sweetener to taste. Stir well, and enjoy!
Cool Citrus Mint Water
Originally shared by guest blogger Ivy Brooks
Are you planning a day at the pool or perhaps a long afternoon watching baseball or soccer games in the hot sun? This drink is sure to keep you cool and hydrated while soaking up the summer rays.
Ingredients:
- 2 Lemons, sliced
- ½ of a Cucumber, skinned and sliced into discs
- 10 Fresh mint leaves Mentha xpiperita or Mentha spicata
- 4 cups of Filtered ice water
Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a glass pitcher. Preferably serve your citrus mint water in a glass (like a mason jar). Avoid plastic since it may contain toxins such as BPA. Since you’re working with fresh ingredients, drink your citrus mint water within 24 hours of making it. Drink up, and enjoy staying hydrated this summer!
Hawthorn Berry Iced Tea
Originally shared by former Apoethcary Shoppe manager Korey Wilder
This versatile and delicious tea easily transitions from a hot, comforting beverage in winter to a cold, revitalizing summer drink. Put it in your water bottle to keep you cool on the go!
Ingredients:
- 1 part Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna leaf and flower
- 1 part Hawthorn Crataegus laevigata berry
- 1 part Raspberry Rubus idaeus leaf
- 1 part Rosehips Rosa canina
- ½ part Licorice Glycyrrhiza glabra root
Directions:
Blend and steep one teaspoon of the mixture per cup for 5-10 minutes. Add ice cubes to your water as needed and store in an airtight container.
Kava Kava Colada
Originally shared by former Apoethcary Shoppe manager Korey Wilder
Are you looking for a summer drink that will transport you to a beach vacation, even when you’re just at home in your backyard? This mocktail will do the trick! The spicy kava root combined with the tropical flavors of coconut and pineapple will bring the island breeze to you.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Organic coconut water
- 1 cup Organic pineapple juice
- 1 cup Filtered water
- ½ cup Pineapple chunks
- 2 tablespoons Kava kava Piper methysticum root
Directions:
Grind one ounce of kava kava root in a coffee grinder to make a powder. Add two tablespoons of kava root powder to the rest of the ingredients. Blend together for five minutes in a blender or a cocktail shaker. Strain the liquid, chill, and enjoy over ice.
Create Your Own Herbal Drinks
Hopefully, you’re inspired to create your own refreshing beverages this summer. The natural flavors and benefits of herbs not only make these drinks delicious but also provide a boost of wellness with every sip. Cheers to a hydrated and happy summer!
Want to start an herb garden to harvest your own summer drink ingredients? Take our Master Herb Gardening for the Home Herbalist micro-course to learn how.
This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be medical advice. Always use herbs and essential oils with caution and keep out of reach of children. Use particular caution when pregnant or nursing. Always check contraindications and think safety first! The statements herein have not been evaluated by the FDA. Products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.
