Tips and Tricks to Drinking Hot Tea in Summer

For Those Who Drink Hot Tea in the Summer

You wake up to another summer’s day. It's 8 AM and already you can tell it's going to be another scorcher. You turn on the local weather report, and sure enough: humidity is through the roof and record high temperatures during the day. It’s a good day to stay cool inside in the comfort of the cool of the air conditioner. You’re also a tea lover, so it stands to reason that on such a brutally hot day that you would brew yourself up a pitcher of iced tea, right? Maybe for some, but not you.

Instead, you reach for your favorite teapot and fire up the kettle to brew up a pot of your favorite hot tea. But why? On a hot day in the middle of summer, it doesn’t make any sense to brew hot tea, does it?

Even though many flock to their local coffee or tea houses to get the iced version of their favorite hot beverages, many still prefer the warmth of the original drink. Maybe it’s the aromas emanating from the cup that elevates the experience or maybe it forces you to slow down and take in the flavors rather than gulping it down. If you’re one of those who enjoy hot tea in the middle of record-breaking heatwaves, you’ve come to the right place. The temperatures outside may be climbing, but so is the temperature of your kettle.

The Science of Staying Cool with Hot Tea

A theory floats around every so often that is hotly debated (pun thoroughly intended): by drinking hot tea, you can actually lower your body temperature.

While it may seem counterintuitive, there is a science behind it. Let me explain.

According to Smithsonian Magazine, by drinking a hot beverage when it’s hot out, you’re raising your body’s core temperature which causes your body to sweat more. The idea is that if you’re sweating more, your body is storing less heat. However, there’s a catch: researchers say that this only works if the extra sweat evaporates from the body.

If it’s a particularly hot day in a dry part of the world (for example, in a desert), then drinking your cup of English Breakfast may help lower your overall temperature. But if you live in a humid part of the world, the sweat isn’t going to go anywhere, so you’re betting off pouring yourself a glass of iced tea from your favorite pitcher. Additionally, it’s important that you wear light clothing so the sweat can evaporate, so leave those sweaters in the closet until fall or winter!

Of course, not everyone drinks hot tea to keep cool. A lot of people drink hot tea simply because they like hot tea, and the fact that the temperatures are climbing outside doesn’t change that.

If you find that you still crave a nice hot cup of tea in the summertime months, just use common sense. Make sure the room you’re enjoying your tea in is nice and cool so you don’t overheat. If you can wait until the evenings to enjoy your tea when it’s cooler, all the better. Enjoy your tea in an air conditioned room, but if your air conditioner is out of commission (and you really need a cup of tea to calm down from the incoming repair bill), you can check out an area like the food court at the mall to enjoy your hot tea. Bring along your ToastTEA travel thermos!

Hot Teas that Brew at Lower Temperatures

If you’re like me and enjoy a hot pot of tea in the middle of summer, you may have a specific preference of what kind of teas you brew during the summer. As much as I love black teas, I usually avoid them during the summer months. One reason is that in order for the water to absorb all the flavors black teas have to offer, the water temperature has to be at least near boiling. The other is that I like lighter teas during the summer and bolder teas in the winter. Of course, that doesn’t mean that I don’t break down and sip some Earl Grey Bravo every so often. But, when it’s hot outside, I tend to go for lighter teas that brew at lower temperatures, like Green, White, and Oolong teas. Here are a few of my favorite teas that I sip during the summer:

Gyokuro

This prized green tea from Japan is ideally brewed at a lower temperature than most green teas (anywhere from 120-140°F). Though similar to its cousin https://www.adagio.com/green/sencha_premier.html Sencha, Gyokuro has a sweeter, less astringent flavor. Its smooth, sweet grassy flavor makes for a real treat on a summer’s day.

Silver Needle

Ideally brewing around 180°F, Silver Needle has a nice, delicate floral flavor that I enjoy during the summer that leaves my palate feeling clean. A refreshing tea, perfect for enjoying in the evenings without the caffeine high. For an extra floral flavor, try Jasmine Silver Needle.

Ti Kuan Yin

Ever wanted something in between a black tea and a green tea? Depending on the variety, Oolongs are a happy middle between the two, and Ti Kuan Yin is a great place to start. This tea brews at 195°F and offers a flavorful experience with the lightness of a green tea. A favorite among oolong lovers!

Dragonwell

With a sweet flavor that’s slightly toasty, Dragonwell is a prized green tea in China. While I usually enjoy toasty flavors in cooler weather, Dragonwell is an exception because of its light flavor. Want to satisfy that toasty flavor craving during the summer heat? Brew a pot of Dragonwell.

Tai Ping Hou Kui

Sometimes, you don’t feel like doing a lot on a hot day, which is where Tai Ping Hou Kui comes in. This tea is perfect for Grandpa Style Brewing, an incredibly easy technique. Simply put a couple of the large leaves in a mug, add 170°F water, and sip while it brews. No stress, no worry.