May 21, 2020 marks the first International Tea Day. In 2019, the United Nations (UN) acknowledged the importance of one of the world’s oldest beverages by declaring May 21 as International Tea Day. It was an initiative to increase consumption of tea around the world as it is known to have several medicinal qualities. Chamomile and green teas considered to be the healthiest tea options are used for several health benefits. While chamomile tea cuts blood-sugar levels, green tea helps in weight loss by raising the metabolism and reduces cholesterol.  Both also work wonders on tired, ageing and dull skin and have been widely used in beauty products.

Well, do you need more reasons than that to indulge in your favourite cuppa? Since, it’s summer already, here are some easy iced tea recipes that you can make at home and sip on to beat the heat. Go ahead, take a sip!

Pink Mystique Iced Tea

Ingredients

150ml Lightly brewed tea (cold)
75ml Cranberry juice
15ml Freshly squeezed lemon juice
1tsp Ginger
5-7 nos Curry leaves
Honey as desired
Ice as desired

Method

1.    Add all the ingredients to a shaker and shake until well combined.
2.    Add ice in a tall glass and strain and iced tea over it.
3.    Garnish with curry leaves, a rind of lemon and serve.

Recipe by Harshal Bhavsar, Director of Food and Beverage, Taj Palace, New Delhi.

Cinnamon Cigar Iced Tea

Ingredients 

100ml Light tea decoctions    
60ml Orange juice     
15ml Freshly squeezed lemon juice     
A pinch of cinnamon powder     
9-10 nos Mint leaves
60ml Honey water     
Ice as desired      
                

Method 
1.    Add all the Ingredients to a cocktail shaker and shake until well combined .
2.    Add ice in a tom collins glass and strain. Add iced tea over it.
3.    Garnish with cinnamon cigar, mint leaves and serve. 

Recipe by Anuj Kumar,Tipple Manager, Vivanta New Delhi Dwarka

Moroccan Mint and Earl Grey Tea

Ingredients

1 Sachet of Earl grey tea
20ml Lemon juice
Honey water (30ml honey and 30 ml water)
Mint leaves as desired 
4 Gooseberries and raspberries
Orange slices for garnishing

Method

Boil mint leaves in water for 8 minutes
Add 1 sachet of Earl grey tea to the mint water and let it chill in refrigerator.
Mix fresh lemon juice and 30 ml honey water together
Fill in a glass with ice, pour mint water, honey lemon juice mixture, berries and stir them well
Top it up with an orange slice
 

Recipe by Dhirender Kandpal, Director of Restaurants and Bars, Le Meridien, Gurgaon