Herbs & Flowers for your summer tea - the pick of the bunch

Whether it is iced tea for one or iced tea for a party, the addition of some fresh herbs and flowers from the garden can elevate your thirst-quenching tea into an even more special tea moment.  

Here are some suggestions for easy-to-grow plants for your very own “mocktail garden” that will keep your drinks bursting with colour, fragrance and also add to the complexity of flavour. 

Start with mint – the hero of summer sips. Spearmint or peppermint brings that refreshing zing to iced teas.

 
Then, add basil, especially lemon or Thai basil, for a slightly sweet, peppery twist.

 
Lemon balm is another must-have, with its citrusy lift that pairs beautifully with your tea. 

 
Don’t forget lavender, which lends a floral note, or rosemary, which surprises with its piney aroma in fruity blends (both of these herbs can impart quite a strong flavour so start with smaller quantities when adding to your drinks).

 
For a splash of brightness, plant edible flowers like nasturtiums or violas – they’ll make every glass look as good as it tastes.

 
And if you’ve got space, a pot of strawberries to sweeten the mix or a small citrus tree will take your mocktails to the next level.

Happy Tea Times Folks, wishing you a great summer season ahead of picking, muddling, pouring, relaxing and sipping. 

P.S  Don’t forget to get the ice in the freezer. See our iced tea guide for more helpful hints and tips.