Herbal Iced Tea: The Coolest Way to Sip Summer

Iced herbal tea is one of my favourite ways to slow down and savour the season.

Whether you're lounging in the garden, pottering about the kitchen, or prepping for a picnic, a chilled herbal brew offers natural refreshment, with benefits beyond hydration.

Herbal Iced Tea: The Coolest Way to Sip Summer

It’s caffeine-free (unless you want a little lift), naturally flavourful, and easy to make with ingredients from your windowsill or herbal stash.

So if you’re already drying herbs for simmer pots or teas (or fancy growing a few new ones), here’s how to turn your garden bounty into beautiful, cooling drinks.

What Is Herbal Iced Tea?

Herbal iced tea is simply a chilled infusion made from herbs, flowers, fruit, or spices—no actual tea leaves required (unless you fancy a green or black tea twist).

You can use dried or fresh herbs, and sweeten your blend naturally with honey, agave, or fruit. Serve it over ice, and you have a summer ritual in a glass.

How to Make Herbal Iced Tea: Two Methods

1. Hot Brew & Chill

The classic method:

• Steep your herbs in just-boiled water for 5–15 minutes.

• Strain, sweeten if desired.

• Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate.

• Serve over ice with fresh herbs or fruit slices.

This is great for releasing full flavour and aroma, especially with roots, spices or dried blends.

2. Cold Brew

A gentler, slower option:

• Add herbs to cold or room-temperature water.

• Let it infuse in the fridge for 6–12 hours.

• Strain and enjoy.

Cold brewing gives a softer, more delicate taste and works beautifully for fresh herbs or floral blends.

The Best Herbs for Iced Tea

Here are some summer favourites that work well solo or in blends:

Herb	Benefits	Flavour Notes
Peppermint	Cooling, energising	Fresh, zingy
Chamomile	Calming, aids digestion	Floral, apple-like
Lemon balm	Mood-lifting, gentle sleep support	Citrusy, lemony mint
Hibiscus	Vitamin C boost, supports blood pressure	Tart, fruity, ruby red
Lavender	Relaxing, soothing	Sweet, floral
Rose petals	Uplifting, skin-friendly	Delicate, perfumed
Lemon verbena	Refreshing, helps with bloating	Bright, lemony
Basil (Thai or Sweet)	Antioxidant-rich, uplifting	Earthy, slightly spicy

Favourite Herbal Iced Tea Combinations

Rose + Hibiscus + Strawberry

You can play around with flavour profiles depending on your mood. A few tried-and-true blends:

• Mint + Lemon Balm + Cucumber – super refreshing

• Chamomile + Lavender + Apple Slices – perfect before bed

• Rose + Hibiscus + Strawberry – floral and fruity

• Lemon Verbena + Green Tea + Ginger – gently energising

• Basil + Blackberry + Lemon – bold and garden-fresh

Do’s & Don’ts for the Best Herbal Iced Teas

Do:

• Use filtered water for the cleanest taste.

• Adjust steeping time based on strength: longer for roots, shorter for florals.

• Strain well – you want clear tea, not cloudy mush.

• Chill safely – let it cool before refrigerating.

• Add garnishes – herbs, citrus wheels or edible flowers make it feel special.

Don’t:

• Use aluminium or reactive containers—glass or ceramic is best.

• Leave herbs to steep indefinitely—oversteeping can turn bitter.

• Sweeten too early if using honey—let the tea cool slightly so it dissolves gently.

Tips & Tricks

• Make ice cubes from your tea and use them in your drink to avoid dilution.

• Batch brew and keep a jug in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Add sparkle – top up with fizzy water or kombucha for a refreshing twist.

• Mix and match – herbs, fruit, citrus peels, spices... it’s hard to go wrong.

5 Herbal Iced Tea Recipes to Try

Here are five seasonal blends to get you started:

👉 Jump to full recipe list and instructions here

1. Cooling Mint & Lemon Balm Iced Tea

2. Chamomile & Lavender Calm Tea

3. Rose & Hibiscus Glow Tea

4. Lemon Verbena & Green Tea Reviver

5. Strawberry & Basil Herbal Cooler

Final Thought

Making herbal iced tea is one of those simple, satisfying ways to celebrate summer—and make the most of your garden, foraging walks, or home apothecary. Try a new blend each week, share with friends, and don’t forget to tag @SimmerAndStir if you create something lovely.

Herbal Iced Tea: Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried ones? Yes! Fresh herbs work beautifully in iced teas. As they're less concentrated, use roughly three times more fresh herbs than dried ones. Always rinse them gently first.

2. How long does homemade herbal iced tea last in the fridge? Herbal iced tea will keep for up to 3 days in a sealed jar or jug in the fridge. For best flavour and freshness, drink it within 1–2 days.

3. Do I need to sweeten herbal iced tea? Not at all! Many blends are naturally sweet or floral. But if you like a touch of sweetness, try honey, agave, maple syrup, or a few muddled berries. Add once the tea has cooled slightly, not straight into boiling water.

4. What’s the difference between cold brew and hot brew? Hot brew gives a stronger, more aromatic tea, especially with dried herbs. Cold brew is gentler and can taste smoother and slightly sweeter. It also preserves more nutrients in some herbs.

5. Can I make iced tea blends for specific benefits, like sleep or digestion? Yes! That’s one of the joys of herbal teas.

For example:

Sleep support: chamomile, lavender, lemon balm

Digestion: mint, fennel, ginger

Mood boost: lemon balm, rose, tulsi.

Tailor your blends based on what your body (or mood) needs.