Iced tea is a traditional refreshing drink during the warm months, and one of my favorites. There is so much you can do with tea to liven up your days and nights. Remember, too, that presentation makes all the difference, whether you are entertaining others or treating yourself during a busy day. The idea is to make drinking tea relaxing and to pamper yourself a little bit, especially during the hectic days of summer.

A pretty chilled glass filled with ice cubes is the easiest way to start, but try these other additions to jazz up your ice tea:

• freeze whole strawberries to add to your drink
• freeze edible flowers in your ice cubes such as violets, borage or scented geraniums. (Remember, not all flowers are edible)
• add a sprig of fresh mint or lemon balm to your drink
• a thin slice or lemon, orange or lime can be added also
• make special "ice tea lemon" bundles with cheesecloth (follow link for easy instructions) -- the cheesecloth allows the lemon juice to go into the tea and keeps the seeds out (they are also very pretty)
  
  

For further inspiration, here are some recipes for you to try. They can be made and kept in a covered pitcher in the refrigerator for a refreshing drink throughout the day, or you can double the recipes for company. Enjoy!

• Honey Apple Iced Tea
• Fruit Tea Punch
• Cinnamon Apple Tea Cooler
• Refreshing Iced Mint Tea
• Mint Tea Punch
  
  Be Sure to Also Read:
  
  
• Flavoring Sun Teas with Herbs