Ah, the joys of summer - hot days on the beach, vacations, and too many indulgences to count — from barbecues and beer to ice cream and sodas. Perhaps around this time in the season you may be feeling all that fun starting to take its toll, both physically and mentally. An herbal cold brew may be just what you need to reset and recharge your system and be ready to make the most of all the summer that’s left! We’ve collected 5 of our favorite herbal cold brew blends for you to try at home. We think you’ll find them so simple and convenient to add to your daily routine, you’ll be sipping them all year long!
For each of the recipes below, combine the herbs in a nut milk bag or reusable cotton bag in a 32oz glass container with a lid. Pour cold, filtered water over the herbs and allow to steep overnight in the refrigerator, or for at least 8 hours. Most herbs can steep even longer than this without becoming strong or bitter, so you don’t need to worry about straining it right away after 8 hours. Feel free to experiment and increase or decrease brew times to your taste. Quantities can also be adjusted for more or less water, just be aware that herbal brews are best consumed within 3-4 days.
Reset and Recharge: Hibiscus Flower, Holy Basil and Rose
This crisp, tart and refreshing blend combines the detoxifying, antioxidant power of Hibiscus flowers, the slightly spicy adaptogenic magic of Holy basil and the blissful, fragrant romance of rose. It’s a perfect beach or patio sipper! Sweeten with simple syrup or honey if desired - or mix it up a bit with a splash of gin for a ‘bit-better-for-you’ cocktail!
6 tsp Hibiscus Flower
3 tsp Holy Basil
3 tsp Rose Buds & Petals
Nourish, Refresh and Restore: Oatstraw, Stinging Nettle Leaf and Peppermint Leaf
Oatstraw and Stinging Nettle are two of the most nutritious herbs on the planet - full of vitamins and minerals, including calcium and iron, magnesium, phosphorus, B-complex vitamins and more. All of which can be lacking or easily depleted in a less-than ideal daily diet. Peppermint is no slouch in the nutrition department either, bringing vitamin A, iron and fiber with that refreshing minty taste! This blend will help you forgive and revive yourself from any nutrition mistakes or lapses from the day before!
6 tsp Oatstraw
3 tsp Stinging Nettle Leaf
3 tsp Peppermint Leaf
Uplift and Revive: Lemongrass, Lemon Balm and Spearmint
This combination starts working its uplifting magic before you even take a sip! The crisp, citrusy mint aroma alone is enough to raise your mood and put a spark of joy in your heart. Plenty of antioxidant action, nervous system support, and (bonus!) great for the skin, too!
6 tsp Lemongrass
4 tsp Lemon Balm
2 tsp Spearmint
These last two selections are even simpler - they are already blended for you and available for purchase today in the Merz store or at Smallflower.com. Just adjust the quantity to about a ¼ cup (16-18g) of the blend per 32oz of water. The 8 hour steep time is fine, however, if you have the patience - these more complex blends lend themselves well to an even longer steep, 12 or even 14 hours.
Focused Energy Herbal Tea Blend
This Yerba Mate and Holy Basil based blend provides a caffeinated boost of adaptogenic power. Shop the Focused Energy Blend at Smallflower.com.
Immunity Support Tea - The Red Blend
We've created this Hibiscus themed tea, fortified with the immune boosting benefits of elder berry & flower, ginger, orange and rose. Shop the Immunity Red Blend at Smallflower.com
Cold Brew herbal teas are a delicious and simple way to add the benefits of herbs into your daily wellness routine in the summer, and at any time of the year. These recipes are a great place to get started, and will hopefully inspire you to try some unique cold brew recipes of your own!