Bring on the cooling herbs!

It’s the time of year to move away from heating herbs like ginger and cinnamon. Choose energetically cooling plants like peppermint, hibiscus, rosehip and lemon balm for your teas. For a little variety, here are a handful of herb-inspired drink recipes to keep you cool as a cucumber.

Tip: Herbs and fruits that are bright in colour are the ultimate choice. These plants are rich in antioxidants that help to negate inflammation and have a cooling effect on the body’s tissues.

Summertime tea

Serves 1 (all day long!)

Harness the sun’s powerful rays to gently infuse your tea.

Ingredients:

• 1 handful of dried peppermint leaves
• 1 handful of dried hibiscus flowers
• 1 handful of dried lemongrass or lemon balm leaves
• 1 litre of filtered water

Method:

In the morning, take a large litre jar and place the herbs in the bottom.

1. Top up the jar with a litre of filtered water.
2. Stir and then apply the lid to the jar.
3. Leave the jar in a sunny place outside to infuse throughout a summer’s afternoon.
4. As the sun sets, go out and collect your jar.
5. Strain the solar infused tea and place in the fridge to cool overnight. You now have a pre-prepared summer iced tea to sip at the following day!
   

Elderflower, lemon and soda

Serves 1

A botanical, non-alcoholic play on an old classic.

Ingredients:

• 30mL elderflower cordial
• 30mL fresh lemon juice
• Top up with soda water
• A slice of lemon to garnish

Method:

1. Pour the cordial and lemon juice over ice in a highball glass.
2. Top up with soda water and add a slice of lime to garnish. Stir, sip, enjoy on a hot Australian night!
   

Watermelon hibiscus mocktail

Serves 4

Rehydrate with this ultimate antioxidant and cooling brew.

Ingredients:

• 250mL hibiscus flower tea frozen into ice cubes
• 250mL hibiscus flower tea at room temperature
• 4 cups chopped watermelon
• 1 tsp fresh lime juice
• Mint leaf garnish

Method:

1. Blend together the watermelon chunks, ice cubes, tea and lime juice.
2. Garnish with fresh mint.