Ending the day with a flavorful cup of tea can be an enjoyable new routine for the whole family.
One of my favorite things to do after dinner and before going to bed is to unwind with a nice hot cup of tea (ginger is my favorite!). Plus, I love knowing all of the health benefits I’m getting from the “fight-o-chemicals” in the herbs, spices, and other plant foods that are infused into the tea. We all deserve a little downtime to relax! When you’re looking for a new evening activity, you can also get the kids involved to come up with some recipes of your own. It may even make it easier for you to get them to sleep.
Choose to either make big pots of tea or make individual cups. If you want to let everyone make their own cup, make it even more fun by finding unique tea infusers – you’ll be surprised by how many different varieties there are, including animals like monkeys, whales, and dinosaurs! Here are 10 unique tea ideas to get you started.
Lavender & Mint
The floral flavor of lavender is a lovely complement to mint. Pair either fresh or dried lavender buds with mint leaves for this soothing tea.
Hibiscus & Lemon Zest
Pair dried hibiscus flowers with fresh lemon zest for a tangy, refreshing tea. You can also brew this tea in the sun. Just put the hibiscus and lemon zest in a clear jar with cold water, place in the sun for several hours, and stand by as your tea brews with solar power!
Ginger, Turmeric & Cinnamon
This tea will warm you from the inside out! Use fresh or powdered ginger and turmeric, and pair with a cinnamon stick or powdered cinnamon. For extra heat, add a small dash of cayenne pepper. This tea is also delicious when made with milk or a milk-alternative for your base.
Fresh Garden Herbs
Fresh rosemary, thyme or oregano make the perfect savory teas! They are great on their own, or you can experiment with different combinations to make your own unique herbal tea varieties.
Jasmine Flowers
Jasmine flowers impart a delicate, floral flavor. For a caffeine boost for the adults, pair with green tea.
Dried Mushrooms
Dried mushroom tea has a complex, earthy, unique flavor. Stop by your local health food store and see what kind of dried mushroom varieties you can find! Dried porcinis are one tasty option.
Cacao Nibs, Cloves & Cardamom
This chocolaty, spiced tea is warm and hearty and makes the perfect after-dinner tea. It’s so good it’s almost like dessert!
Dried Rose & Vanilla Bean
Use dried rose hips or rose petals for this delicate tea. You can make each version on its own and create a blind taste test to see which one everyone likes best. Next time you make it your kids will be excited for more!
Dried Coconut & Chamomile
Coconut flakes add a silky twist to traditional chamomile tea. Buy loose chamomile to mix with the coconut flakes in your infuser. This calming tea is perfect for helping unwind before bedtime.
Lemon Verbena & Mint
Use fresh or dried leaves for this tea, and experiment with different types of mint- spearmint, peppermint, pineapple mint. Lemony and refreshing, this tea is perfect any time of day, especially when you want something refreshing after a busy day outside!
Once you’ve found flavors that the family enjoys, do some experimenting on your own. If you like the warm tea, see how it tastes cold too. With the warm summer months around the corner, you’ll be prepared with healthy and delicious cooling beverages!
