The perfect drink for summer: Herbed matcha iced tea

Outside, it’s a sweltering 95 degrees, and though we could all use a slow and lazy summer, busy days don’t stop for the heat. What to do? Get a glass of instant refreshment that will have you ready for whatever hurdles your summer schedule has in store. Though this herbaceous, minty matcha iced tea can be made in mere seconds, it’s every bit as chilly and delicious as a well crafted iced coffee or sun-brewed iced tea.

To make your own glass of perfect summer refreshment, pick up a high-quality can of matcha powder. Keep in mind that matcha can be pricy; plan to spend about $20 on a canister that will last you a few months. Then, clip a few of your favorite herbs: mint, thyme, tarragon, and basil are all great choices. Finally, get out the ice and cold water, shake, and serve. Perfect on-the-go refreshment ready in seconds. (If only everything about summer were as easy!)

Herbed Matcha Iced Tea

Serves: 2
Prep time: 2 minutes

Ingredients:

1/4 cup fresh herb sprigs (a mix of mint, thyme, tarragon, or basil), plus more for garnish
ice
2 cups cold water
1 – 2 teaspoons matcha powder (adjust according to strength and taste preferences)
sugar to taste

Instructions:

1. Add 1/4 cup herb sprigs to the bottom of a drink shaker or large jar. Use a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon to press and muddle the herbs so they release their oils.
2. Fill shaker or jar with ice, and add water, matcha powder, and sugar, if using. Shake for 30 seconds or until matcha has dissolved.
3. Pour into ice-filled glasses, garnish with herbs, and serve.

For more ice cold summer refreshments, check out these great sips from Babble:

Virgin Mint Julep

Inspired by mint juleps, these virgin sips are as refreshing as it gets.
Get the recipe for virgin mint juleps

Green Tea Watermelon Punch

This simple green tea and watermelon punch is perfect for outdoor summer gatherings.
Get the recipe for green tea watermelon punch

Mint Lemonade

If you've never had homemade lemonade, you're in for a treat. Perfectly sweet and sour with a hint of fresh mint, you may never drink lemonade from concentrate again.
Get the recipe for mint lemonade

Real Sweet Tea

Real sweet tea should not be confused with sweetened tea — this stuff is reeeeallysweet, just the thing to get you through another sweltering summer afternoon.
Get the recipe for real sweet tea

Slow Melt Arnold Palmer

The ingenious take on the Arnold Palmer features lemonade ice cubes for sip after sip of frosty iced tea perfection.
Get the recipe for slow melt Arnold Palmers

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Source: Babble.com