A tall glass of iced tea is one of the most refreshing ways to cool off and stay hydrated this summer. Whether you’re sitting by the pool or enjoying the season’s warmer evenings from your outdoor space, iced tea has so many benefits to take advantage of. This includes skincare perks that will help you achieve that shimmering glow from the inside out—and it’s so easy to make.
How to Make Iced Tea
One of the simplest ways to make iced tea is to steep loose leaf or sachets in boiling water, then pour it over ice to cool. However, if you want those skincare benefits, creating a DIY herbal blend is just as easy and so fun to whip up.
Start by selecting your ingredients. If you want that caffeine kick, you can choose a base of piping hot, steeped green, white, or black tea. For caffeine-free blends, use boiling water instead. As for the add-ons, Jennifer Nicole Bianchini, MS, RD, IFNCP, a functional dietitian and founder of Body to Soul Health, says hibiscus, mint, and lemon balm are some of the best herbs to steep in the summer for hydrated skin. “Together they make a delicious and refreshing summer iced tea great for hydration, skin support, and a little nervous system love too,” she notes.
Hibiscus: According to Bianchini, dried hibiscus is a tasty herbal ingredient to add to your iced tea recipe because it’s “loaded with antioxidants that support healthy skin.” The dried flower can also encourage elastin and collagen production since it’s so rich in vitamin C, and it features natural humectant properties for increased hydration. “Bonus, it also helps support healthy blood pressure.”
Mint: Herbal tea is so tasty in summer, especially if it has a cooling and refreshing effect. Mint is known for its cooling and soothing properties, thanks to its menthol properties. Menthol is also anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, which can help address breakouts and balance oil production. Mint is also easy to grow in a pot indoors or outdoors, so you can grow (and drink) it in abundance this summer.
Lemon Balm: For an added kick, steep lemon balm in your summer iced tea for its calming, soothing elements. Lemon balm is rich in antioxidants, which can protect the skin against environmental damage and even balance out oil production to keep blemishes at bay this season.
In addition to these herbal ingredients, Bianchini says you can up the ante on hydration by adding cucumber, lemon, and lime slices, or iced watermelon cubes to your iced tea this summer. “Not only do these ingredients add extra hydration, but they also add delicious and refreshing flavor,” she notes. “Lemon and lime also contain vitamin C, watermelon contains antioxidants like lycopene, and cucumber is cooling and hydrating, which makes this such a beautiful inside-out summer skin drink.” To make fresh watermelon cubes, shop up watermelon into cubes, add them to an ice cube tray with water, and freeze. You can also blend the watermelon and pour the mixture into the ice cube trays to maximize the flavor.
The Takeaway: How to Make Iced Tea
Once you select your ingredients, fill a pitcher with your base liquid and then sprinkle in the add-on herbs. For the hibiscus, mint, and lemon balm blend, use no more than ¼ cup of dried hibiscus flowers. This will provide a tasty tart flavor without overpowering the blend. Add in a handful of mint and lemon balm and let the mixture sit for 10 to 15 minutes. After the time is up, remove the herbs and allow the tea to reach room temperature before storing it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, fill glasses with ice and pour the tea over it. For those added skincare perks, you can add a couple of lemon, lime, and cucumber slices to the glass, with one watermelon ice cube for a touch of natural sweetness.