The clink of ice against glass and a generous waterfall-like pour…that’s right guys, iced tea season is just around the corner! Any hot day can be made that much more perfect with a refreshing glass of iced tea. We’re all used to that standard sprig of mint or slice of lemon, but here are some other not-so-common ways to spruce up your iced tea this summer.Pique Tea’s organic, high-quality, easy-to-brew tea crystals are a cinch to use and steep perfectly every time. Start the brewing process with a small amount of warm or hot water, then add cool water and ice, and poof you have delicious ice tea! Pair Pique Teas along with these simple ideas and summer thirst quenching will never be the same.

1. Edible Flowers, paired with Pique Tea’s Jasmine

There’s something wonderfully shabby chic about flowers floating around in your iced tea. Just add the petals directly into the cooled tea or freeze them into cubes like I have here. For an eclectic look, these ice cubes are frozen into rings from my mini donut pan. Make sure to separate each of the petals rather than leaving them in clumps–this makes for a prettier effect and also helps the blooms go farther.

2. Vanilla Beans, paired with Pique Tea’s Earl Grey

Vanilla is something we always think about when baking, but this warm flavor works amazingly well in teas too. Whether it’s in the form of an extract, paste, or pure vanilla beans, the taste of vanilla adds rich depth and natural sweetness. If you do go the luxurious route and use scrapings from a vanilla bean, the leftover pod doubles up as a whimsical drink stirrer!

3. Freeze-Dried Fruit Rims, paired with Pique Tea’s Sencha

When it comes to rimmed drinking glasses, we often think of margaritas, but this technique works just as beautifully for iced tea. Sugar is a common ingredient used for this purpose, but I’m a bigger fan of using freeze-dried fruit like strawberries, raspberries or peaches. Simply crush or grind the fruit, then use honey, agave, or maple syrup to adhere the fruit to the drinking cups.

4. Milk & Honey Ice Cubes, paired with Pique Tea’s English BreakfastMilk, honey, and black tea…need I say more? Start with one cup of good quality milk (2% or whole works well here), then add 2 tablespoons of honey. Stir the milk vigorously until the honey dissolves, pour the milk into ice cube molds, and into the freezer they go. Make your tea just a tad bit stronger than normal, and you’ll have robust, perfectly chilled milk tea every time. For all you milk tea lovers out there–you’ve got to try this!

5. Fat Straws, paired with Pique Tea’s Mint SenchaJumbo straws are often thought of as a boba tea bar drinking accessory, but for delicious iced tea, these can do so much more. I love these for drinking up bits of colorful, cut fruit. Mangos, strawberries, kiwi, and even soft-fleshed melons like watermelon, honeydew, or cantaloupe look and taste amazing when their fresh flavors mingle with tea.

***And now it’s your turn to try Pique Tea!***
***A Special Promotion for Thirsty for Tea Blog Readers***

Get a free Double Walled Glass when you subscribe to a Tea Plan!

Simply add the beautiful glass to your cart and use coupon code THIRSTYFORTEA upon checkout.

 Pique Teas make a lovely Mother’s Day Gift (or add-on)! 

Offer ends May 7th.