Why Herbal Drinks Are Ideal for Hot Weather
Herbal drinks are the perfect way to stay cool and hydrated when summer temperatures rise. While many turn to sugary sodas or artificial drinks, there’s a more natural and satisfying way to beat the heat — herbal infusions. At Health Embassy, we offer a wide range of dried herbs and natural ingredients perfect for creating light, refreshing drinks ideal for hot weather. In this post, we’ll share five easy recipes using our hand-packed herbs to help you stay refreshed all summer long.
Why Choose Herbal Drinks in Summer?
Herbal beverages are caffeine-free, contain no artificial additives, and can be served chilled or over ice. They’re an excellent way to incorporate natural flavours into your day while enjoying the unique taste of herbs like Peppermint Leaf, Elderflower, or Lemon Balm Leaf. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a homemade summer herbal drinks that are light, aromatic, and satisfying.
1. Iced Peppermint Tea with Lemon
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp Peppermint Leaf Health Embassy
- 1 slice of fresh lemon
- 250ml boiling water
- Ice cubes
- Optional: honey or agave syrup
Instructions:
- Place the Peppermint Leaves in a teapot or heatproof jug.
- Pour in boiling water and steep for 10–15 minutes.
- Strain the tea and let it cool.
- Add lemon and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Serve over ice with a touch of sweetener if desired.
Why it works:
Peppermint has a naturally cooling sensation, making it an excellent base for iced drinks. The citrus twist adds freshness without overpowering the herbal notes.
2. Elderflower Lemonade
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp Elderflower Health Embassy
- 500ml hot water
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1–2 tsp maple syrup or other natural sweetener
- Sparkling water or still water
- Ice cubes
Instructions:
- Steep Elderflower in hot water for 15 minutes.
- Strain and let cool to room temperature.
- Mix in lemon juice and sweetener.
- Add sparkling water for fizz or still water for a gentler version.
- Serve with ice and a slice of lemon.
Why it works:
Elderflower has a delicate floral flavour that pairs wonderfully with citrus. This drink is light and fragrant — a true summer classic.
3. Cold Nettle & Apple Infusion
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp Stinging Nettle Leaf Health Embassy
- 1 apple (sliced)
- 500ml cold water
- Optional: a pinch of cinnamon
Instructions:
- Place dried Nettle Leaves and apple slices in a large jar.
- Add cold water and cover.
- Refrigerate for at least 6–8 hours or overnight.
- Strain and serve chilled.
Why it works:
Cold infusions extract flavour slowly, resulting in a smooth, mellow taste. Herbal drinks made with nettle have earthy undertones balanced by the subtle sweetness of apple.
4. Iced Lemon Balm & Cucumber Cooler
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp Lemon Balm Leaf Health Embassy
- 2–3 slices of cucumber
- 250ml hot water
- Optional: splash of lime juice
Instructions:
- Steep Lemon Balm Leaves in hot water for 10–12 minutes.
- Let cool, then add cucumber slices and lime if using.
- Refrigerate and serve with ice.
Why it works:
Lemon Balm has a mild lemony flavour that feels clean and refreshing. Cucumber enhances the cooling effect and gives the drink a spa-like quality. These herbal drinks are perfect for enjoying on warm days when you need a natural way to stay cool.
5. Cold Brew Herbal Hibiscus Blend
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp Hibiscus Flowers Health Embassy
- 1 tsp Rose Petals (optional)
- 500ml cold water
- Optional: orange or berry slices for garnish
Instructions:
- Combine all herbs in a jar with cold water.
- Cover and refrigerate for 6–8 hours.
- Strain and serve over ice with fruit slices.
Why it works:
Hibiscus has a tangy, cranberry-like flavour and gives the drink a stunning red colour. Perfect for summer afternoons or outdoor gatherings.
How to Make Cold Herbal Infusions (General Tips)
- Use filtered cold water for the best taste.
- Let the herbs steep in the refrigerator for several hours (6–12) depending on the intensity you want.
- Always strain the herbs before serving.
- Add fresh fruit, cucumber, or citrus slices for extra flavour and colour.
- Herbal infusions can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Which Health Embassy Herbs Work Best for Summer Herbal Drinks?
When it comes to creating refreshing iced teas and cold herbal infusions, certain herbs stand out for their flavour, aroma, and natural cooling properties. At Health Embassy, we offer a wide range of high-quality dried herbs that are perfect for summer beverages. Here are some of our favourites:
- Peppermint Leaf – Known for its naturally cooling effect and vibrant, fresh flavour, peppermint is ideal for iced teas that instantly refresh on a hot day. Its crisp, invigorating taste pairs well with citrus, cucumber, or berries.
View product: https://healthembassy.co.uk/peppermint-leaf-mentha-piperita-l/
- Elderflower – This delicate, floral herb adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic charm to any cold infusion. Elderflower blends beautifully with lemon, mint, or sparkling water for a light, fragrant summer drink.
View product: https://healthembassy.co.uk/elderflower-sambucus-nigra-l/
- Lemon Balm – With its gentle, citrusy notes, lemon balm brings a soothing freshness to cold beverages. It works wonderfully in combination with cucumber or apple for a clean, spa-like flavour.
View product: https://healthembassy.co.uk/lemon-balm-leaf-melissa-officinalis-l/
- Stinging Nettle Leaf – While more earthy in taste, nettle makes an excellent base for cold infusions. Its mild flavour complements sweeter or fruitier ingredients, such as apple or pear, creating a balanced and refreshing drink.
View product: https://healthembassy.co.uk/stinging-nettle-leaf-urtica-dioica-l/
- Hibiscus Flowers – Known for their tangy, cranberry-like flavour and striking red colour, hibiscus flowers make summer drinks both visually appealing and full-bodied in taste. They can be paired with rose petals or citrus slices for an extra layer of complexity.
View product: https://healthembassy.co.uk/hibiscus-flowers/
- Rose Petals – These subtle floral notes add elegance and aroma to herbal drinks. Rose petals work especially well in combination with hibiscus or chamomile for a lightly fragrant and visually stunning infusion.
View product: https://healthembassy.co.uk/rose-petals-rosa-l/
All of these herbs are carefully hand-packed by Health Embassy to preserve their natural aroma and freshness. By exploring our full range of dried herbs, you can experiment and create your own unique summer herbal drinks, tailored to your taste and mood. Whether you prefer fruity, floral, or earthy flavours, our selection makes it easy to craft naturally refreshing beverages at home.
Why Use Health Embassy Ingredients?
At Health Embassy, we take pride in offering premium-quality dried herbs, hand-packed in small batches to preserve their natural aroma and freshness. We do not use artificial additives or preservatives. All ingredients featured in this post are available in our UK-based online store, ready to be delivered directly to your door. Whether you’re preparing hot teas or cooling herbal drinks, our carefully selected herbs make it easy to enjoy natural flavours at home.
Enjoy Natural Refreshment: Herbal Drinks for Summer
Refreshing herbal drinks are a simple and enjoyable way to stay cool during hot weather while using only natural ingredients. Whether you’re relaxing at home, hosting a summer brunch, or simply looking for a healthier alternative to sugary drinks, these herbal recipes offer both taste and variety. For those interested in traditions and background, you can learn more about the history of herbal infusions.
FAQ – Summer Herbal Drinks with Health Embassy Ingredients
Can I make these herbal drinks in advance and store them in the fridge?
Yes, most herbal infusions can be stored in the fridge for up to 48 hours. Make sure to strain out the herbs after steeping and store the drink in a sealed glass container for the best freshness.
Do I need to sweeten herbal drinks?
Not necessarily. Many people enjoy the natural flavours of herbs without sweeteners. However, if you prefer a hint of sweetness, you can add honey, agave syrup, maple syrup, or fruit juices. Always add sweeteners after the infusion has cooled.
Can I use these herbs for both hot and cold infusions?
Yes, all the herbs mentioned in this post — such as Peppermint Leaf, Elderflower, Lemon Balm, and Hibiscus Flowers — are suitable for both hot teas and cold brews. Just adjust the preparation method depending on your preference and the season.
What’s the difference between hot infusion and cold brew herbal tea?
Hot infusion involves pouring boiling water over herbs and steeping for a short time (usually 5–15 minutes), then cooling it down. Cold brew involves steeping herbs in cold water for a longer period (6–12 hours) in the fridge. Cold brews tend to have a gentler, smoother flavour and are great for summer. Both methods are excellent for preparing herbal drinks that highlight the natural character of each ingredient.
Can I mix herbs to create my own summer blends?
Absolutely! Blending herbs is a great way to personalise your herbal drinks. For example, mixing Peppermint with Lemon Balm or Hibiscus with Rose Petals can produce complex, layered flavours. Just ensure that each herb you use is safe and compatible with your needs.
Do I need special equipment to prepare these herbal drinks?
No special equipment is needed. A teapot, mason jar, strainer, and fridge are enough to prepare any of the recipes in this post. For cold brews, glass jars or pitchers with lids work best.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog post is for general informational purposes only and is based on information available from various online sources. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any health conditions, allergies, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, please consult a healthcare professional before consuming herbal products. Health Embassy does not provide medical advice, nor does it diagnose, treat, or cure any medical conditions.
We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information provided, and you rely on it at your own risk. Individual results may vary. Health Embassy is not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any herbal products discussed on this blog.
