This Chinese New Year, serve up some homemade teas instead of the typical packet or canned drinks. Both refreshing and a conversation starter, your guests will be thrilled by these easy-to-make alternatives that are great for cooling down on warm days, and make for a wonderful substitute to artificially sweetened beverages!
Image credit: Skinnytaste
This homemade brewed tea is easy to make, and allows you to control the amount of sweetness you want in it. With over a variety of fruit flavours – peach, mango, lemon, and more – to choose from, you can create your own version of iced tea and top it off with fresh mint for a refreshing taste and a great visual presentation. Try it out using this recipe.
Image credit: The Scrumptious Pumpkin
When serving your guests this delicious peach tea, share with them a curious Japanese folklore called Momotaro: a boy born from a giant peach that was found floating down a river and later adopted by a childless couple. Incredibly brave and kind-hearted, Momotaro grew up and left his parents to fight demons, and befriended a talking dog, monkey and pheasant. What has Momotaro got to do with this tea? Momo means peach in Japanese, and this is a great story to tell when someone brings up those dreadful questions notoriously known among relatives during these Chinese New Year visits. Here's how to prepare it.
Image credit: Martha Stewart
Here are some fun facts about hibiscus: the flower is edible, and is considered a delicacy in Mexico; hibiscus tea contains vitamin C and increases good cholesterol; it also helps lower blood pressure; the flower can be made into natural dye or food colouring; and is the national flower of South Korea, Haiti, and Malaysia. That aside, the brilliant Martha Stewart created this refreshing iced tea that has a tangy citrusy taste, perfect for any occasion! Here's the recipe.
Image credit: Martha Stewart
Did you know that the Egyptians started using chamomile as early as 1550 BC? They might not have known the host of benefits in chamomile but thanks to science, we are now aware that chamomile is a rich source of antioxidants that helps fight against inflammation such as the pain and swelling of rheumatoid arthritis, and lowers the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes and other chronic diseases. Combine chamomile with lemon-flavoured herbs and you’ll get an invigorating glass of iced tea that benefits both the young and old. Check out the recipe for this drink over here.
Anybody can serve up a glass of roasted green tea, but you can do yours differently – with a touch of lemongrass. The subtle citrus flavour in lemongrass adds a fantastic flavour to the green tea. Lemongrass is known for its host of medicinal properties such as antidepressant, antibacterial, and its diuretic nature that helps remove toxins and bad cholesterol from our body. What is there not to like when it tastes delicious and also makes you feel good? Here's how to prepare this refreshing drink.
