When the temperatures climb, it's tempting to retreat indoors with the air conditioner running full blast. But herbs have been helping people stay cool, hydrated, and refreshed for centuries. Whether you're sipping a glass of herbal iced tea, adding cooling herbs to your meals, or harvesting from your garden in the early morning, herbs can make even the hottest summer days more enjoyable.
Cool from the Inside Out
Many herbs have naturally refreshing flavors that make them perfect for summer drinks.
Mint
Perhaps the king of cooling herbs, mint creates a refreshing sensation thanks to its natural menthol. Add fresh sprigs to water, lemonade, iced tea, or fruit salads. Mint also makes an excellent herbal tea that's just as delicious served over ice. We suggest Calming Spirit or Shakespeare Teas made with a blend of Spearmint and Peppermint
Lemon Balm
With its gentle lemon aroma and calming qualities, lemon balm is wonderful for stressful, hot afternoons. Brew it into an iced tea or combine it with mint for a refreshing summer blend. It is a large part of both Holy Basil Relaxing Tea and Tulsi Rose Tea.
Hibiscus
If you're looking for something colorful, hibiscus makes a beautiful ruby-red iced tea. Its tart, cranberry-like flavor pairs well with honey, citrus, or berries and is wonderfully thirst-quenching. We use it in TeaTime Tea and Ruby Slippers along with rose hips.
Lavender
A small amount of lavender adds a floral touch to lemonade or iced tea. Just a little goes a long way, creating an elegant summer beverage perfect for entertaining. For the summer we have packages of dried lavender buds you can use in lemonade and mocktails to enjoy this hot season.
Lavender Lemonade
A floral twist on classic lemonade that's perfect for garden parties, bridal showers, or relaxing on the patio.
- 1 tablespoon Backyard Patch Herbs Culinary Lavender (or 2 tablespoons Backyard Patch Lemon Lavender Splash Tea)
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 5–6 lemons)
- ¾ cup honey or sugar (adjust to taste)
- 4 cups cold water
- Ice
- For garnish Lemon slices, fresh lavender sprigs, fresh mint (optional)
Directions
Steep the lavender / lavender tea in the boiling water for 10–15 minutes. Strain and stir in the honey or sugar while warm. Allow to cool completely. In a pitcher, combine the lavender infusion, lemon juice, and cold water. Chill and serve over ice with lemon slices and lavender sprigs.
Variation: Add sparkling water just before serving for a bubbly Lavender Lemon Spritzer.
Add Herbs to Summer Meals
Create quick salads
Use mixed greens, cucumbers, carrots and then add chickpeas, cold cooked chicken or firm tofu for a protein without the heaviness.
Then dress those salads with a vinaigrette made with Backyard Patch Dressing Mixes, like Salt-free Italian Dressing and Marinade, Lemon Chive Dressing or Green Chervil, (our version of Green Goddess)
Make Your Own Cooling Infused Water
Skip sugary drinks and make a naturally flavored herbal water.
Some favorite combinations include:
- Mint + cucumber
- Lemon balm + lemon slices
- Basil + strawberries
- Lavender + blueberries
- Rosemary + orange slices
Let the mixture steep in the refrigerator for several hours before serving over ice.
Use an herbal tea to create a refreshing herbal water.
The trick is to brew the tea a bit stronger than normal, chill it, then add fresh fruits, herbs, and vegetables for extra flavor and visual appeal.
Garden Breeze Cooler
Made with Backyard Patch Summer Breeze Limited Edition Tea
- 2 Tbsp Backyard Patch Summer Breeze Tea
- 2 cups hot water
- 4 cups cold water
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 lemon, sliced
- Fresh mint sprigs
- Ice
Directions
Steep tea for 10-15 minutes. Chill completely. Combine with cold water, cucumber, lemon, and mint. Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving.
Berry and Basil Water
Made with Afternoon Lift Tea
- 2 Tbsp Backyard Patch Afternoon Lift Tea
- 2 cups hot water
- 4 cups cold water
- Strawberries, sliced
- Blueberries
- Fresh basil leaves
Directions
Prepare tea, chill, then combine with berries and basil. Serve over ice.
Lavender Lemon Spa Water
A beautiful beverage for brunches, showers, or relaxing afternoons. Made with Lemon Lavender Splash Tea
- 2 Tbsp Backyard Patch Lemon Lavender Splash tea
- 2 cups hot water
- 4 cups cold water
- Lemon slices
- Blueberries
- Fresh lavender sprigs (optional)
Directions
Prepare tea, chill, then combine with cold water, lemon and blueberries. Serve over ice with a lavender garnish.
Stay Cool Naturally
Summer doesn't have to mean simply enduring the heat. Herbs bring fresh flavors, beautiful aromas, and cooling refreshment to everyday life. Whether you're harvesting from your own garden or picking up a bundle at the market, there's always another delicious way to let herbs help you beat the heat.
So pour yourself a glass of iced herbal tea, head outside in the early morning to gather a few sprigs from the garden, and enjoy one of the season's greatest gifts—fresh herbs at their peak.