Cool off with Adaptogenic Iced Tea Recipes

Summer is in full swing and the only thing running hotter than the soaring temperatures is our quest to stay cool. Enjoying leisurely sun-filled days is what we’ve all been looking forward to, but the summer heat breeds an endless need for refreshment. And what’s more revitalizing than a cold, crisp glass of iced tea on a scorching hot day? Packed with flavor and a heaping dose of health benefits, herbal iced tea provides the perfect recipe to beat the heat.

Don’t stop there! Why not add relaxation to refreshment? Making your own herbal iced tea is simple, healthier than most drinks on the shelf, and lends opportunity well beyond quenching thirst to harness the power of plants. Consider using teas formulated with adaptogens like Tulsi, also known as Holy Basil – used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine for its broad range of benefits promoting overall well-being. Adaptogenic herbs help the body adapt to physical, mental, and environmental stressors. Recent studies on the benefits of Tulsi reported significant reduction in anxiety and stress levels as well as improvements in mood and cognitive function. Tulsi could prove to be just what you need to find the summer R&R you’ve been waiting for!
Add some fun to your summer sips with these inspiring creative recipes to get you started.

Iced Tea 101

To get the most refreshment out of your iced tea, we have a few recommendations:

• Double the strength of your brewed tea – if you normally use two bags, use four and brew with the same amount of water.
• Steep for 5-10 minutes or longer to extract the flavor and herbal benefits. For optimal results, cover while steeping.
• Remove tea bags when finished steeping and allow tea to cool to room temperature. Refrigerate if desired.
• Choose any flavor you like, but our favorite summer flavors are Tulsi Peppermint, Tulsi Hibiscus and Tulsi Raspberry Peach – fun flavors for maximum refreshment!
• Add a bit of style to your tea sipping with a fresh mint leaf garnish or some citrus slices.

Tulsi Peppermint Ice Cubes

These little treats are the ultimate cooling refreshment! Brew Tulsi Peppermint tea to your desired strength. Let the tea cool to room temperature and pour into ice trays. Add a leaf or two of fresh mint to each ice cube, then freeze. Add a kick to plain water or enhance your beverage of choice with a hint of mint to these frozen treats.

Ingredients

• Approximately 2 cups of Tulsi Peppermint Tea
• 3 or 4 springs of organic fresh mint
• 1 or 2 ice cube trays

Tulsi Chai Creamsicle

This deceptively indulgent, creamy, dreamy blend of coconut milk and traditional chai flavors is sure to spice up the dog days of summer while cooling you down.

Ingredients

• 2 Tulsi Masala Chai tea bags
• 1 14-oz can of coconut milk
• 1-inch piece of ginger, peeled and sliced
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 1-2 Tb maple syrup

(makes 4-6 popsicles)

Directions

Place Tulsi Masala Chai tea bags in a small saucepan with coconut milk and ginger. Bring to a gentle simmer, then remove from heat and steep for at least 5 minutes. Remove tea bags and ginger. Stir in vanilla and maple syrup to taste.
Let cool, pour into popsicle molds and freeze. Alternatively, you can pour the chilled mixture over ice and enjoy as a creamy, dreamy, iced tea alternative!

Tulsi Electrolyte Drink

Want all the flavor, electrolytes and hydration, but not the overwhelming sweetness of a sports drink? Try this DIY sports drink that features adaptogenic Tulsi. Feel free to adapt this recipe using any flavor of Tulsi tea you like.

Ingredients

• 2 Tulsi Ashwagandha tea bags
• 1 cup boiled water
• 1/8 tsp fine Himalayan pink salt
• 1 tsp pure maple syrup or raw honey
• ¼ c coconut water
• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice, or to taste

(makes 1 serving)

Directions

In a large mug, pour boiled water over tea bags and let steep for 10 minutes. Remove tea bags, mix in salt and maple syrup or raw honey while still warm. Add coconut water and lemon, chill and enjoy!

Tulsi Lemon Ginger Tea-tini

When the sun sets, spice up the night with a classic combination of Lemon and Ginger in this simple but delicious mocktail that’s sure to impress any dinner guest.

Ingredients

• 2-3 Lemon Ginger tea bags
• 2 cups boiled water
• 2 Tb fresh squeezed lemon juice
• 1 Tb agave or honey
• ½ cup chilled sparkling water
• Fresh basil leaves, lemon slices and candied ginger for garnish

(makes 2 servings)

Directions

In a mug, pour boiling water over tea bags and let steep for 5-10 minutes and remove tea bags. Stir in agave or honey while still warm and let cool. Stir in lemon juice and pour evenly into two cocktail glasses. Add ice cubes and top with sparkling water. Tear basil leaves to release the essence and place with lemon slice and candied ginger on top for garnish. This is a perfect way to celebrate mocktail hour!

Kat Wiranowski

Kat Wiranowski is ORGANIC INDIA USA’s Director of Brand & Retail Marketing. She is an outdoor enthusiast, wellness advocate and an avid tulsi tea drinker.

www.organicindiausa.com

The post Iced Tea Treats for a Stress-Free Summer appeared first on LA Yoga Magazine - Ayurveda & Health.