10 Teas to Enjoy in Summer

School is out, the sun is shining, and people are flocking to the beach. That can only mean one thing: summer has arrived. But just because the temperature is rising outside doesn’t mean your craving for tea goes away; in fact, there are many year-round tea connoisseurs. Whether iced or traditionally warm, these teas will satisfy your tea cravings all summer long.

Earl Grey Bravo

Earl Grey is a mild black tea. It’s not as bold as a breakfast or Assam blend, which makes it the prefect tea to satisfy that black tea craving during the heat of summer. With a touch of bergamot to give it a slightly citrus flavor, Earl Grey is a tea that can be enjoyed even during the heat of summer. Perfect for the black tea lover looking for a lighter tea during the warm summer months.

Peppermint

Cool, calm, and collected, Peppermint is an ingredient found in many beauty products to provide an extra cooling effect. That same coolness is also found in its herbal tea. A little stronger than its cousin Spearmint, Peppermint brings both a cool and refreshing sensation in the form of a warm beverage. And with zero caffeine, Peppermint can be taken before bed as a relaxing way to prepare for another summer day.

Lemongrass

Thoughts of summer spring to mind visions of citrus, particularly lemon, popular in many summer treats. If you like lemon, then Lemongrass is the herbal tea for you. Though not actually related to the lemon tree, lemongrass has a natural citrus flavor that is both mild and sweet. Not only is it a calming tea, but it has various health benefits, such as boosting metabolism and being a source of Vitamins A and C. Next time you’re craving a lemon treat, try a cup of this relaxing herbal tea.

Sleeping Dragon

Many tea connoisseurs love the taste of smokey teas, Gunpowder being a popular choice. However, the heat of summer can drive fans of such teas towards something milder. Enter Sleeping Dragon. Sleeping Dragon is a green tea that in many ways resembles Gunpowder. It has the smokiness of Gunpowder, but there’s a gentleness to it that makes it a desirable choice during a summer evening. For those craving a soft, smokey flavor during the summer, let a cup of Sleeping Dragon grace your cup.

Sencha

There are few delights that compare to waking up on a warm, sunny day, opening the door, and taking in the fresh air lightly scented with green grass. It’s these moments that make enjoying a pot of tea outside before the heat of the day truly something special. A pot of Sencha, one of Japan’s most popular green teas, has a mildly astringent and grassy flavor that is perfect for those summer mornings. Enjoy this smooth, rich cup of tea as you close your eyes and simply enjoy a summer's moment.

Darjeeling Sungma Summer

Darjeeling can have different flavors depending on when it was harvested during the year. While First Flush, harvested during the spring, is a popular choice, many Darjeeling fans prefer the following harvest’s tea. Darjeeling Sungma Summer, a second flush or summer tea, has a delightful fruity flavor without any additional ingredients. It’s a rich but gentle black tea that can be enjoyed as an alternative to bolder blends.

Citrus Mate

With a mild flavor like green tea, Yerba Mate is a great energizing herbal tea to keep you moving all summer long. Many people love adding their own additional flavors to Mate, but the addition of citrus flavors makes this blend an excellent summer beverage. For those days when you’re on the go and need to keep your energy up, Citrus Mate is there to help you through the day with the satisfying tartness of citrus.

Silver Needle

Summer is a busy time with schedules filled with graduation parties, sporting events, barbecues, and more. At the end of the day, there's nothing like peace and quiet with a cup of Silver Needle. Silver Needle, a fine white tea, is the perfect way to complete a busy summer’s day. It’s not an overpowering tea and will softly relax you into a quiet evening of rest. Its flavor is soft and mild with pleasant floral and fruity subtleties. Some varieties even come scented with jasmine flowers for those looking for an additional floral scent. The perfect way to refresh yourself.

Gyokuro

Jane Austen once wrote, "To sit in the shade on a fine day and look upon verdure is the most perfect refreshment.” The shade provides relief from the heat of summer, but shade can also produce one of the finest green teas available. Before harvest, the Japanese green tea Gyokuro spends some time in the shade, producing a tea rich in chlorophyll and nutrients. The resulting beverage is a smooth tea with a sweet, grassy aroma. Brewed at a lower temperature than most teas, this tea can easily be enjoyed during a warm summer day.

Ooooh Darjeeling

While Darjeeling is commonly known as a black tea, there are a variety of teas that originate from the Darjeeling region in India. Fans of both oolong and back teas alike would be remiss to overlook Darjeeling oolongs. Ooooh Darjeeling shares characteristics of both the traditionally black Darjeeling teas and a mild oolong. Its flavor is subtly fruity and floral, reminiscent of dried fruit. And because it’s an oolong, it can be brewed multiple times, meaning you can enjoy this versatile tea all day long.