Tea Blog

Woohoo! It’s Summer Solstice time once again!

Although many people consider englishtea.us/2014/05/30/a-memorial-day-tea-time/”>Memorial Day weekend and summer tea traditions to mark the unofficial beginning of summer, the Summer Solstice is the official start of the season. In the Northern Hemisphere, it brings the longest day and shortest night of the year, while the Southern Hemisphere experiences the opposite.

So how does the Summer Solstice affect tea drinking?

In two words: iced tea.

Summer Solstice and Tea Season

The Summer Solstice serves as a seasonal starting signal for vacations, picnics, backyard gatherings, thunderstorms, beach trips, amusement park adventures, and countless outdoor activities.

In the United Kingdom, thousands of visitors gather at Stonehenge before sunrise to celebrate the occasion. As the sun rises over the ancient stones, many attendees greet the day with music, conversation, and, naturally, plenty of tea. Even in June, early mornings in that part of England can be surprisingly cool.

Once the sun rises, the realization quickly follows that every day thereafter will gradually become shorter until the arrival of the Winter Solstice. All the more reason to enjoy every available hour of sunshine.

The Perfect Summer Solstice Iced Tea

For many tea drinkers—particularly those living in the southern United States—iced tea is a year-round beverage. During the summer months, however, it becomes practically essential.

One of the most effective methods for making flavorful iced tea is to brew it hot and intentionally stronger than normal.

Simple Iced Tea Method

• Use approximately twice the amount of tea you would normally brew.
• Steep the tea using hot water.
• Add sweetener while the tea is still hot.
• Fill a pitcher with ice.
• Slowly pour the hot tea over the ice.

If you’re using a glass pitcher, pour carefully to help prevent thermal shock.

Tea Tip: Don’t worry if the finished tea appears slightly cloudy. Repeated experiments have shown that cloudiness has very little relationship to the overall flavor or quality of the tea.

For particularly refreshing results, try using fruit-flavored loose-leaf teas and fruit-infused tea blends. Many fruit ingredients contribute natural sweetness and bright flavors, often reducing the need for additional sugar.

Summer Foods That Pair Perfectly with Iced Tea

A tall glass of iced tea naturally calls for seasonal foods.

Popular summer tea-time pairings include:

• Cucumber sandwiches with cream cheese
• Fresh tomato slices
• Raw vegetables such as carrots, radishes, cabbage, and leafy greens
• Seasonal fruits and berries
• Picnic foods and outdoor lunch fare
• Barbecue served with tomato-based or vinegar-based sauces

And don’t forget plenty of napkins.

Summer dining and barbecue sauce have always maintained a close relationship.

For Those Who Refuse to Abandon Hot Tea

Not everyone yields to the seasonal temptation of iced tea.

Some tea enthusiasts remain loyal to their hot tea regardless of the temperature outdoors. For these dedicated drinkers, the Summer Solstice simply means more daylight hours in which to enjoy a favorite brew.

A few may switch from rich winter beverages such as masala chai to lighter options including:

• Green teas with fruit flavors
• Floral teas
• White teas
• Herbal infusions

Others make no seasonal adjustments whatsoever.

Personally, I tend to remain faithful to English Breakfast tea blends and many of the classic popular British black tea brands and breakfast teas, served hot with milk and sweetener.

Surprisingly enough, they pair wonderfully with summer foods.

Hot Tea vs. Iced Tea: There Is No Wrong Answer

The beauty of tea is its versatility.

Some drinkers celebrate the season with pitchers of sweet tea, fruit-infused iced tea, and chilled herbal blends. Others remain devoted to steaming mugs of black tea, regardless of the weather forecast.

Neither approach is wrong.

The Summer Solstice simply provides one more reason to appreciate tea in whatever form brings you the most enjoyment.

Final Thoughts

The arrival of the Summer Solstice marks the beginning of long days, outdoor gatherings, and countless opportunities to enjoy tea.

Whether you’re sipping a glass of iced Monk’s Blend on the patio or enjoying a hot cup of English Breakfast tea while watching the sunrise, the important thing is to take advantage of the season and savor the experience.

Whatever direction the Summer Solstice nudges your tea preferences, enjoy the tea, enjoy the sunshine, and make the most of those extra daylight hours.

See more accargill/”>tea articles and tea culture commentary by A.C. Cargill.

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