Summer Hydration: Fruit, Native & Hibiscus Iced Tea Recipes

If you’ve noticed the launch of our Summer Sippers Sale, then you’ll already know all about the importance of enjoying something light and refreshing over the warmer months.

Aussie summers call for drinks that are refreshing, beautiful, and delightfully simple to share, and whilst water will be the beverage of choice for many of us, iced tea can give you a little boost of flavour, aroma, and extra hydration without the sugar of other options.

From firm favourites like hibiscus tea to the magical blue butterfly pea flower tea and our wonderfully Australian native botanicals, we’ve got a huge range of iced tea options to help you stay cool this summer.

Of course, many of these blends make excellent choices when hosting holiday gatherings, BBQs, or relaxing afternoons on the veranda when you want something fun in your glass.

Let’s explore the best fruit, native, and floral iced teas for summer, along with some simple recipes you can prepare ahead of time to make your hosting a little easier.

Why Iced Tea Works So Well in Summer

We love reaching for herbal and fruit teas in the warm weather because they’re:

• Caffeine-free or low-caffeine

• Easy to brew in large batches

• Naturally flavourful without added sugar

• Beautiful to serve in clear glassware

For entertaining, iced teas pair really well with local produce, citrus fruits, berries, and native ingredients like lemon myrtle and hibiscus.

Recipe 1: Classic Hibiscus Iced Tea (Ruby Red & Refreshing)

Now onto some of my favourite recipes for hosting and inviting friends over. Hibiscus tea is one of my all-time favourite teas for summer and for good reason! With a deep, ruby red colour and tart flavour, it’s the perfect festive drink you can even add alcohol to!

Serves: 4 to 6 people

You’ll need:

• Hibiscus Tea

• 1 litre of hot water

• Ice

• Optional: orange slices, berries, mint

How to make it:

1. Steep hibiscus tea in hot water for 8–10 minutes.

2. Allow to cool, then strain.

3. Pour over ice and garnish with fruit or herbs.

Top serving tip: Serve our iced tea in a clear glass jug or pitcher to show off the colour and tie it into your Christmas decor. Hibiscus makes a perfect natural centrepiece bursting with colour and Australian vibes!

Recipe 2: Butterfly Pea Flower Citrus Cooler (Colour-Changing Crowd-Pleaser)

We’re always going on about butterfly pea flower tea, but it’s such a beautiful blend that we just can’t help ourselves! When you add a drop of lemon juice, it quickly turns to a vibrant purple that wows any festive guests every single time!

Serves: 4 people

You’ll need:

• Butterfly Pea Flower Tea

• 1 litre of hot water

• Fresh lemon or lime

• Ice

How to make it:

1. Steep the flowers for 5–7 minutes until deep blue.

2. Cool completely, then pour over ice.

3. Add citrus just before serving and watch the colour change.

Top serving tip: Serve it up in plastic tableware and place it on the kids' table to keep little ones entertained over the festive period!

Recipe 3: Native Fruit and Lemon Myrtle Iced Tea

If you want to support Australian growers and show off the very best of Aussie flavours, then reaching for lemon myrtle is a great option. Offer your guests a bright, citrus palate cleanser that pairs beautifully with other fruity flavours!

Serves: 6 people

You’ll need:

• Lemon Myrtle Tea or a native fruit blend

• 1.25 litres of hot water

• Ice

• Optional: sliced apple, lemon, or peach

How to make it:

1. Brew tea for 6–8 minutes.

2. Cool, strain, and refrigerate.

3. Serve over ice with fresh fruit.

Top serving tip: For holiday lunches and BBQs full of flavour, we love bringing out the lemon myrtle as it’s not too sweet and works really well with a large range of foods.

Iced Matcha for Summer Energy

If you’ve not caught up with the trend, iced match is a brilliant coffee alternative that tastes as good as it is for you! Simply whisk matcha with cold water, pour over ice, and add the milk of your choice.

For a fun flavour twist, add fruit purees, brown sugar syrups, or even a little honey for sweetness! Matcha works well for people who suffer from energy crashes in the afternoon, so sip on an iced matcha in the morning or early afternoon for a boost without the crash!

Create a Holiday Tea Bar

For entertaining, consider setting up a DIY Holiday Tea Bar:

• 2–3 iced tea bases (hibiscus, pea flower, native, fruit)

• Ice buckets

• Citrus slices, berries, mint

• Clear glass teapots and cups

• Simple labels for each tea

If you need an interactive experience or an informal ice breaker to help your guests mingle, serving up a holiday tea bar is a great way to get the conversations flowing!

Glassware Matters More Than You Think

Clear glass teapots, jugs, and cups elevate iced tea from an everyday drink to table feature. Glass allows the colour, botanicals, and fruit to shine, especially with hibiscus and butterfly pea teas.

Sip, Share and Stay Hydrated This Summer

From native botanicals to vibrant floral brews, iced tea is one of the easiest ways to stay hydrated while enjoying flavour and ritual. These recipes are simple, adaptable, and perfect for Australian summers, whether you’re hosting a crowd or just filling a jug for the fridge.

Explore Tea Life’s summer tea range, experiment with colour and flavour, and make hydration something to look forward to this season.