Cooling by Nature: 5 Herbal Iced Teas to Sip This Summer

When temperatures rise, the best way to cool down is to steep up. But not just with any tea—herbal blends that do more than quench thirst. These herbs don’t just refresh the palate. They awaken the senses, offer natural benefits, and bring a touch of elegance to every glass.

While many of these herbs have long been staples in Middle Eastern kitchens and gardens, their appeal is truly universal. Whether found in a modern wellness café or a tucked-away tea shop, they offer the kind of ritual that feels both grounding and indulgent.

Let’s take a closer look at five standout herbs that turn any iced tea into a summer staple.

Few herbs evoke refreshment like mint. Spearmint or peppermint, fresh or dried—it’s the backbone of countless iced teas for a reason. Beyond its unmistakable flavor, mint has natural cooling properties and is known to aid digestion and reduce heat-related discomfort.

Brew Tip: Pair mint with green tea and a splash of citrus for a clean, modern twist. Add honey or orange blossom water if you’re feeling adventurous.

Dried hibiscus petals steep into a vivid, tangy infusion that’s naturally caffeine-free and rich in antioxidants. Served over ice, it offers a balance of tart and floral—bright, bold, and refreshing. In parts of Egypt and the Levant, this is the iced tea of choice at weddings and celebrations.

Brew Tip: Add rosewater and cinnamon for depth, or mix with pomegranate juice for a fruit-forward finish.

Thyme isn’t just for savory dishes—it’s a surprisingly beautiful tea herb. When steeped, it offers a warm, lemony aroma with grounding notes that pair beautifully with citrus or honey. Used in traditional blends across the Mediterranean, thyme tea is celebrated for its antimicrobial properties and gentle stimulation.

Brew Tip: Pair with lemon verbena or dried lemon peel. Serve over ice with a lemon slice and a drizzle of agave.

A few dried rosebuds or a dash of rosewater can instantly elevate an iced tea into something ethereal. Beyond the aroma, rose is believed to ease stress and uplift the mood—making it ideal for slow, quiet afternoons or elegant gatherings.

Brew Tip: Try rose with white tea and crushed cardamom pods for a soft, floral blend that feels like a spa day in a glass.

Known for its golden hue and delicate flavor, saffron adds a touch of indulgence to tea. Just a few strands go a long way, offering floral, honey-like notes. When blended with black tea and chilled, it transforms into something rich, refreshing, and quietly luxurious.

Brew Tip: Combine with crushed cardamom and a hint of milk for a Persian-inspired iced chai

Herbal iced tea is more than just a seasonal refreshment—it’s a quiet ritual of presence. These herbs, with their soothing aromas and nuanced flavors, encourage a slower pace. They’re a reason to pause between meetings, reset on a warm afternoon, or elevate an everyday moment into something intentional.

Whether sourced from a local farmer’s market or a heritage tea house, these timeless ingredients remind us that summer’s most luxurious sips are brewed—not bottled.

For those looking to elevate their iced tea experience, here are some of the world’s most esteemed tea purveyors offering blends that highlight these ingredients with exceptional quality:  

From rose-strewn black teas to green blends laced with mint and citrus, each sip offers a refined escape.