Best Teas for Summer: Refreshing Sips for Long Sunny Days
Summer invites us outdoors to linger on patios, gather with friends and savor the season's abundance. It's also the perfect time to refresh your tea ritual with bright, flavorful teas that can be enjoyed hot, iced or cold brewed.
The arrival of summer is marked by the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year. For centuries, cultures around the world have celebrated this annual turning point with feasts, flowers, herbal traditions and seasonal beverages. Today, a refreshing glass of iced tea or a flavorful hot cup enjoyed at sunrise offers a simple way to connect with the season's energy.
At The Republic of Tea, we've curated teas that capture the vibrant flavors of summer, from juicy fruits and garden herbs to crisp green teas and classic iced tea favorites.
Why Tea Is the Perfect Summer Beverage
Tea offers something for every summer moment:
- A refreshing iced tea for poolside sipping
- A bright green tea for a morning boost
- A naturally caffeine-free herbal blend for evening relaxation
- A flavorful alternative to sugary soft drinks
Many of our teas are delicious without added sweeteners, allowing the natural character of premium tea leaves, herbs, fruits and botanicals to shine.
Our Favorite Teas for Summer
Organic Double Green® Matcha Tea
For tea drinkers seeking a vibrant summer energy boost, Organic Double Green Matcha Tea delivers a smooth combination of premium green tea and vibrant matcha powder.
The result is a fresh, grassy cup with natural sweetness and a clean finish. It's excellent served hot in the morning or poured over ice for a refreshing afternoon pick-me-up. For a twist, try one of the other flavors in our Double Green Matcha collection, including strawberry, lavender or yuzu.
Best for: Morning energy, daily wellness routines, iced green tea lovers.
Natural Hibiscus Superflower Tea
Invigorating, vibrant, and tropical — nothing says summer quite like hibiscus
Hibiscus Superflower Tea steeps a stunning ruby-red cup with naturally tart, fruity notes that are incredibly refreshing over ice. It pairs beautifully with fresh berries, citrus slices, or sparkling water for an elevated summer mocktail.
Best for: Iced tea, outdoor entertaining, caffeine-free refreshment
Few flavors capture summer quite like succulent mango.
Our Mango Ceylon Black Tea combines premium black tea with natural flavors, creating a sweet and refreshing brew that shines both hot and iced.
Served chilled, it's reminiscent of a tropical vacation in a glass.
Best for: Summer afternoons, iced tea pitchers, fruit tea fans
This Citizen favorite offers a sophisticated blend of juicy blackberry and aromatic sage layered over premium black tea.
The sweet-savory flavor profile creates an exceptionally refreshing iced tea that requires little or no sweetener.
Best for: Unsweetened iced tea, brunch gatherings, tea mocktails
A longtime Republic favorite, Ginger Peach Black Tea combines juicy peach notes with warming ginger and smooth black tea.
The essence of peach evokes summer orchards, while the ginger adds complexity and balance. It remains one of our most versatile teas for both hot and iced preparation.
Best for: Everyday iced tea, peach lovers, year-round enjoyment
Get Relaxed® - Herb Tea for Relieving Stress
Summer isn't always about activity. Sometimes it's about slowing down.
Get Relaxed Herb Tea offers a calming blend of herbs and botanicals that can be enjoyed after a busy day outdoors. Served chilled, it becomes a soothing evening refresher.
Best for: Evening sipping, caffeine-free routines, summer wind-down rituals
Summer Solstice Traditions and Tea
The Summer Solstice has inspired celebrations for thousands of years.
Ancient peoples observed the year's longest day as a time of abundance, fertility, and connection to nature. In Northern Europe, midsummer festivals featured flower garlands, bonfires, and seasonal herbs. Many medicinal plants, including chamomile, lemon balm and St. John's Wort, were traditionally gathered during the solstice because they were believed to be at their peak potency.
Many of today's herbal teas continue this connection to seasonal botanicals. A floral herbal blend can serve as a modern nod to these centuries-old traditions.
Whether enjoyed at sunrise, during a backyard gathering, or while watching a summer sunset, tea offers a meaningful way to celebrate the season.
Tips for Steeping Better Summer Tea
Try Cold Brewing Herbal Teas
Our Cold Brew Hibiscus collection is perfect for cold brewing while you're basking at the pool. Cold Brew Hibiscus teas are exceptionally smooth, refreshing and create a beautiful hued glass
Simply add one pouch to a quart-sized pitcher and fill with ambient water. Let it steep for 10 minutes to 8 hours and store in the refrigerator. Serve chilled over ice and enjoy within 24 hours. Try it with:
- Cold Brew Hibiscus Aronia Blackberry
- Cold Brew Hibiscus Pineapple Coconut
- Cold Brew Hibiscus Tangerine Yuzu
- Cold Brew Hibiscus Sangria Spice
Garnish with Seasonal Fruits
Enhance your summer tea with:
- Lemon slices
- Fresh peaches
- Strawberries
- Mint leaves
- Orange wedges
- Cucumber ribbons
These additions complement the tea's natural flavors while creating a beautiful presentation.
Steep Strong for Traditional Iced Tea
When preparing hot tea to pour over ice, a double strength infusion is required. Plan on using about two teaspoons of tea or herbs or two tea bags per six-ounce cup. We recommend using fresh water to steep, as this will yield a better cup.
Celebrate Summer One Cup at a Time
From the bright energy of Organic Double Green Matcha to the tropical sweetness of Mango Ceylon Black Tea and the vibrant refreshment of Hibiscus Superflower Tea, summer offers endless opportunities to explore tea in new ways.
Whether you're celebrating the Summer Solstice, hosting friends or simply looking for a delicious way to stay refreshed, the right tea can make every summer day feel a little more special.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tea makes the best iced tea in summer?
When it comes to summer iced tea, the most important factors to consider are flavor intensity when chilled, natural sweetness and refreshment without needing added sugar. We recommend trying:
- Ginger Peach Black Iced Tea
- Blueberry Hibiscus Iced Tea
- Blueberry Lavender Daily Beauty Iced Tea
- Regenerative Organic Certified®Assam Black Iced Tea
What is a good everyday tea for all-day sipping?
Blueberry Green SuperFruit Tea is one of the best everyday teas for regular enjoyment thanks to its smooth green tea base and naturally sweet blueberry flavor. The combination creates a bright, refreshing cup that's flavorful without being overpowering, making it easy to enjoy from morning through afternoon. Whether steeped hot for a gentle start to the day or served over ice to cool off, this antioxidant-rich blend delivers a balanced tea experience that feels both satisfying and refreshing. Its naturally fruity character means many tea drinkers enjoy it without sweeteners, making it an effortless addition to a daily tea ritual.
What teas work well hot or iced without sweeteners?
Blackberry Sage Black Tea, Organic Double Green Matcha Tea, Hibiscus Superflower Tea and Ginger Peach Black Tea all offer naturally satisfying flavor that shines without sweeteners.
What teas are best for building a daily tea routine?
To build a sustainable daily tea routine, look for a balance of energizing blends for the morning, smooth options for midday focus, and caffeine-free herbs to wind down at night. We recommend a black tea to start your day, like British Breakfast or Earl Greyer Black Tea. A low or caffeine-free tea for the afternoon like our Organic Focus SuperShroom Green Tea or SuperAdapt™ Clarity and Calm® Tea will help you power through the day. For nights, a relaxing caffeine free herbal tea is best, such as Get Relaxed® or Get Some ZZZ's™.
