Sipping on a tall glass of iced tea is a delightful way to beat the summer heat and keep yourself hydrated. Whether you’re lounging by the pool or enjoying a warm evening outdoors, iced tea offers numerous benefits to enjoy. Not to mention, it can do wonders for your skin, giving you a radiant glow from within. And the best part? Making it is a breeze.
How to Make Iced Tea
One of the easiest ways to prepare iced tea is by steeping loose leaf tea or tea sachets in hot water and then pouring it over ice to chill. But if you’re looking to enhance your skin’s health, creating your own herbal blend is just as simple and enjoyable.
Start by choosing your ingredients. Opt for green, white, or black tea if you want a dose of caffeine. For a caffeine-free option, stick to boiling water. When it comes to herbs, Jennifer Nicole Bianchini, a functional dietitian and founder of Body to Soul Health, recommends hibiscus, mint, and lemon balm as top choices for a summer iced tea that hydrates the skin. “Together, they create a delicious and refreshing drink that not only boosts hydration but also supports your skin and nervous system,” she explains.
Hibiscus: Bianchini highlights dried hibiscus as a flavorful addition to your iced tea recipe. Packed with antioxidants, hibiscus supports healthy skin by promoting elastin and collagen production, thanks to its high vitamin C content. It also offers natural humectant properties that boost hydration and even helps maintain healthy blood pressure.
Mint: In the summer, herbal teas with a cooling effect are especially enjoyable. Mint, known for its refreshing properties, contains menthol, which has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. This can be beneficial for managing breakouts and regulating oil production. Mint is also easy to grow at home, making it a readily available ingredient for your summer drinks.
Lemon Balm: Adding lemon balm to your summer iced tea not only enhances the flavor but also provides calming and soothing effects. Rich in antioxidants, lemon balm protects the skin from environmental damage and helps balance oil production, reducing the likelihood of blemishes during the season.
Aside from these herbal ingredients, Bianchini suggests boosting hydration by incorporating cucumber, lemon, and lime slices, or frozen watermelon cubes into your iced tea. “These ingredients not only increase hydration but also add delightful and refreshing flavors,” she points out. “Lemon and lime are excellent sources of vitamin C, watermelon offers antioxidants like lycopene, and cucumber provides cooling and hydrating properties, making this a perfect summer drink for beautiful skin from the inside out.” To make watermelon cubes, simply chop up watermelon, place the pieces in an ice cube tray with water, and freeze. You can also blend the watermelon and pour the mixture into ice cube trays for enhanced flavor.
The Takeaway: How to Make Iced Tea
After selecting your ingredients, fill a pitcher with your base liquid and add the herbal ingredients. For the hibiscus, mint, and lemon balm blend, use up to ¼ cup of dried hibiscus flowers for a tangy flavor that doesn’t overpower the tea. Add a handful of mint and lemon balm, let the mixture steep for 10 to 15 minutes, then remove the herbs and allow the tea to cool to room temperature before refrigerating. When ready to serve, fill glasses with ice and pour the tea over it. For added skin benefits, garnish with lemon, lime, and cucumber slices, and include a watermelon ice cube for a touch of natural sweetness.