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Fennel, rose, pandan, kokum: Offbeat teas to cool you down
ETimes | June 16, 2025 1:39 AM CST

As the heat blazes across much of the country, it’s cooling, soothing teas that are bringing comfort to tea lovers. Moving beyond lemon and mint, these refreshing brews- infused with everything from kokum to pandan -are quietly making their way into cups across India. Chef Reena Mathur shares, “People want teas that go beyond flavour - cooling, gut-soothing and grounding. Ingredients like bael, rose and kokum are having a quiet resurgence this summer.”


Hibiscus and kokum blend

Packed with vitamin C and cooling properties, this ruby-red combo is tart, tangy and ideal for humid days. Chill it with a pinch of black salt and a splash of date syrup for a zesty thirst-quencher.

Lemongrass-Pandan Iced Tea

Aromatic and soothing, this Southeast Asian-inspired tea is fragrant with lemongrass and nutty pandan leaves. Serve chilled with a hint of coconut water for a refreshing, electrolyte-rich twist.


Bael (wood apple) Tea

This Ayurvedic favourite is a natural summer cooler. The pulp, brewed and lightly sweetened with jaggery, makes a subtly tangy tea that’s great for digestion and gut health.

Butterfly Pea Flower Tea

Vibrant blue and naturally caffeine-free, this floral infusion is known for its antioxidants and colour-changing magic — it turns purple with lemon! Add honey and basil seeds for a chilled, hydrating drink that’s as pretty as it is refreshing.


Fennel and Rose Iced Tea


Fennel seeds (saunf) and dried rose petals make a subtly sweet, floral infusion that soothes heat-induced acidity and bloating. Serve it cold with a dash of honey or rock sugar for a gentle, calming drink.


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