This cooling summer tisane is herbal and refreshing with a hint of spice. Lemongrass, mint, and fennel seeds form the basis of this herbal tea blend while green cardamom and ginger root add a hint of spice. Sip on this vegan and gluten free herbal tea blend when you need help cooling off in the summer months!
After living through my fair share of brutal Texas summers, I came up with this cooling summer tisane/herbal tea blend to help cool me from the inside out. All of the herbs and spices have energetically cooling properties for the body once they are ingested. And, the majority of them have the added plus of being beneficial for your digestive system. Also, they smell friggin’ amazing!
Notes on Ingredients and Substitutions
At the time I developed this recipe, I had fresh mint, lemongrass, and lavender growing in my garden plentifully. 3 tablespoons of dried mint may be used in place of the fresh mint while 1-2 tablespoons of dried lemongrass can be used instead of fresh. Or, if you can’t find lemongrass, lemon balm will yield a similar flavor and cooling quality. Use 1/4 cup fresh or 1-2 tablespoons dried. Lavender leaves are optional but lend a lovely earthy and mildly floral quality. You can either omit them or use 1/2 – 1 teaspoons dried lavender buds instead.
Tips for a Flavorful Tisane
- Don’t skip out on bruising the lemongrass, fennel seeds, and green cardamom. This helps them start to release their oils which will yield a more flavorful brew. You can do this with a mortar and pestle or with the butt end of your chef’s knife.
- Steep for at least 4 hours. This allows time for the herbs and spices to infuse the water with flavor. Want a stronger flavor, let it steep for longer!
- If you’re using dried herbs, make sure they’re not older than a year for the best flavor.
More Cooling Summer Sips
This melon agua fresca with mint and lime is a great thirst-quencher, especially when you use super-sweet melon! I love this cucumber limeade with mint and lemon balm when I want something that is both refreshing and hydrating. Want more iced herbal tea? Try my super easy hibiscus plum iced tea!
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Cooling Summer Tisane
- Total Time: 4 hours
- Yield: 3 1/2 cups 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This cooling summer tisane is herbal and refreshing with a hint of spice. Lemongrass, mint, and fennel seeds form the basis of this herbal tea blend while green cardamom and ginger root add a hint of spice. Sip on this vegan and gluten free herbal tea blend when you need help cooling off in the summer months!
Ingredients
- 3 stalks lemongrass, sliced into rounds
- 1 1/2 teaspoons whole green cardamom pods, about 18–20
- 1/2 teaspoon whole fennel seeds
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, loosely packed
- 1 tablespoon fresh lavender leaves, optional
- 2-inch piece ginger root, sliced into thin coins
Instructions
With a mortar and pestle (or the butt end of a chef’s knife and a bowl or cutting board), gently bruise/crush the lemongrass, cardamom, and fennel seeds. Add them to a clean quart-sized jar along with the remaining ingredients. Pour just enough hot water (not boiling water) in the jar to cover the herbs and spices. Let the mixture steep for 3-5 minutes, then fill the remaining space in the jar with cool water. Cover, then park the jar in the fridge to steep for at least 4 hours.
After 4 hours, strain the tisane. Keep the tisane in a clean bottle or jar in the fridge and enjoy within a week.
Makes about 3 1/2 cups or 2-3 servings.
Notes
- Mint and lemongrass favor heavily here as I have a lot of each growing in my backyard. If you don’t have access to fresh versions of either of these, feel free to use dried ones.
- Though I recommend steeping the infusion for 4 hours in the recipe, the longer it steeps, the more the flavors will intensify. You can check the flavor every hour if you like and strain it once it gets to your liking.
- If you can’t find lavender leaves, a tsp of dried lavender buds will work just fine. Or, omit it if you like.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Steeping Time: 4 hours
- Category: drink
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