What to Drink in Hot Weather: Refreshing Herbal Infusion Ideas

In Summer, the heat changes what we feel like drinking. We naturally turn to lighter, fresher drinks that are easy to prepare and can accompany long summer days without making meals feel heavy or overwhelming the palate. When the sun settles in, cold infusions, iced herbal teas and teas served in a carafe become wonderful alternatives to traditional sugary drinks.

Red berries, hibiscus, lemon, mint, peach, verbena or fruity green tea: plants and fruits make it possible to create colourful, elegant summer drinks that are easy to share. At Provence d’Antan, our infusions, crafted in France, invite you to rediscover this simple pleasure: a chilled carafe, a few ice cubes, freshly cut fruit and a bright, refreshing pause to enjoy at the heart of summer.

Why Choose Herbal Infusions in Hot Weather?

When temperatures rise, drinking regularly becomes essential. Water remains the drink of choice, but it is not always easy to drink enough throughout the day. Refreshing herbal infusions can help make hydration more enjoyable by bringing flavour, colour and a fresh sensation, without necessarily adding sugar.

A homemade iced infusion also makes it easy to vary the moment of enjoyment. It can be served first thing in the morning, in a carafe at lunchtime, as an afternoon refreshment, after a walk or during an alcohol-free aperitif. It can be adapted to suit every preference: lively with lemon, indulgent with red berries, herbaceous with mint, mellow with peach or tangy with hibiscus.

Unlike an industrially produced drink, a homemade infusion allows you to choose the base, the strength and any additional ingredients. It can be enjoyed plain, over ice, with fresh fruit or with a few herbs picked from the garden. It becomes a simple, beautiful and convivial drink for everyday summer moments.

Cold Infusion, Iced Herbal Tea or Iced Tea: What Is the Difference?

These drinks may seem similar, but they do not refer to exactly the same preparation.

Cold Infusion

A cold infusion is made by allowing plants, fruits or flowers to infuse directly in cold water, usually for several hours in the refrigerator. This method creates a delicate, subtle drink that is particularly pleasant when prepared in advance.

It is especially well suited to fruity blends, hibiscus, verbena, mint and floral compositions.

Iced Herbal Tea

Iced herbal tea can be prepared in two ways: either by infusing it in cold water or by preparing a concentrated hot infusion and then cooling it over ice. Depending on the ingredients used, it is an excellent option for creating a refreshing caffeine-free drink.

It is ideal for a family carafe, an afternoon snack in the garden or a lighter evening drink.

Homemade Iced Tea

Iced tea is made using green, black or white tea. It naturally contains caffeine, so it is best enjoyed in the morning, late morning or during the afternoon, depending on individual sensitivity.

A fruity iced green tea, for example, can become a particularly elegant summer drink, provided it is brewed at a gentle temperature to prevent bitterness.

Which Infusions Should You Choose during Summer?

Summer calls for bright, easy-to-drink beverages with fresh, fruity or herbaceous notes.

Fruity Infusions

Infusions featuring red berries, peach, citrus fruits or yellow fruits are perfect for summer. They offer a light yet indulgent impression and are particularly well suited to iced preparations.

Red berries create a colourful and generous drink. Peach brings a soft, sun-kissed character. Lemon and orange add a livelier sensation. These infusions often appeal to the whole family, especially when served cold and without added sugar.

Hibiscus Infusions

Hibiscus is one of the essential ingredients for summer drinks. Its deep red colour, tangy note and fruity character make it an ideal base for chilled carafes. It pairs beautifully with orange, During Summer, a hibiscus infusion served over ice becomes an elegant and visually striking table drink, perfect for entertaining.

Mint Infusions

Mint immediately brings a refreshing sensation to the palate. It can be enjoyed on its own or combined with lemon, green tea, verbena or fruit. It works equally well in a simple everyday drink or in a more elaborate mocktail-style recipe.

Verbena Infusions

Verbena evokes warm evenings, summer gardens and light, delicate cups. Served cold, it retains its naturally lemony and herbaceous character. It can be accompanied by lemon slices, a few mint leaves or pieces of fresh peach.

Fruity Green Teas

Fruity green tea is a wonderful choice for anyone looking for a refreshing drink with a little more structure. Lemon, ginger, red berries, peach or mint all work particularly well in iced preparations. As green tea naturally contains caffeine, it is best enjoyed during the daytime.

How to Make a Refreshing Homemade Infusion

The quickest method is to prepare a concentrated hot infusion, then cool it immediately over ice.

For a herbal or fruit infusion, use very hot water at around 95–100°C and leave it to infuse for 6 to 8 minutes. Prepare a stronger base than you would for a regular cup, as the ice will dilute the drink.

Then pour the infusion into a carafe filled with ice cubes and top up with very cold water. Add fresh fruit, citrus slices or herbs according to your preferences.

For iced green tea, use cooler water at around 75–85°C and infuse for only 2 to 3 minutes. This helps prevent bitterness and preserves a more delicate taste.

Quick Method

Prepare a concentrated infusion using a small amount of hot water.

Pour it over a generous amount of ice.

Top up with very cold water.

Add lemon, mint, peach, red berries or orange.

Serve immediately.

Gentle Cold-Brew Method

Place the infusion in a carafe of cold water.

Leave it to infuse in the refrigerator for several hours.

Strain if necessary.

Serve over ice with a few pieces of fresh fruit.

This method creates a more subtle drink and is ideal for preparing the day before.

To explore the subject further, discover our article: How to Make Homemade Iced Infusions: The Right Steps for a Refreshing Summer Drink.

How to Enjoy It or Make It Part of a Summer Ritual

A refreshing infusion is more than just a drink. It can become a true summer ritual.

In the morning, it pairs beautifully with a bright breakfast of fresh fruit, yoghurt, toast, granola or brioche. A lemon or peach infusion brings a sensation that is both gentle and lively.

At lunchtime, serve it in a carafe at the table as an alternative to sugary drinks. With a few citrus slices and plenty of ice, it becomes a simple, elegant drink for the whole family.

In the afternoon, it is perfect for a garden snack. A red berry, hibiscus or peach infusion pairs wonderfully with a fruit salad, an almond biscuit or a homemade tart.

In the early evening, it can also become the base of an alcohol-free aperitif. Served in a tall glass with ice, a splash of sparkling water, citrus fruit and a mint leaf, it takes on the character of a summer cocktail.

In the evening, a caffeine-free herbal infusion made with verbena or other gentle plants can be enjoyed chilled, offering a light and refreshing way to extend the summer day.

Gourmet and Botanical Pairings

Refreshing infusions lend themselves beautifully to simple pairings. Just a few ingredients are enough to create a drink that feels more colourful, expressive and personal.

Hibiscus, Orange and Red Berry Infusion

A tangy base, an intense colour, a handful of red berries in the carafe and a few orange slices: this is an ideal drink for a summer table.

Peach, Verbena and Lemon Infusion

Peach brings softness and roundness, verbena adds a delicate lemony botanical note, and lemon provides a lively touch. This pairing is particularly enjoyable in the late afternoon.

Mint, Lemon and Sparkling Water Infusion

Fresh, easy to prepare and perfect for an alcohol-free aperitif. Serve it in a tall glass with plenty of ice.

Fruity Green Tea with Ginger and Lemon

A livelier, more structured drink that is ideal during the day. Ginger brings a gently spicy sensation to the palate, while lemon enhances the freshness.

Red Berry and Basil Infusion

A more original pairing, especially delicious with fresh strawberries or raspberries. Basil adds an elegant botanical note.

The Benefits of a Refreshing Pause, with Care

When the weather is hot, refreshing infusions can help bring variety to everyday drinks and make hydration more enjoyable. They do not replace water, but they can complement a gentler daily routine, especially when prepared without added sugar.

Caffeine-free herbal infusions can be enjoyed at different times of the day, depending on their ingredients. Iced teas, on the other hand, naturally contain caffeine and should be consumed according to individual sensitivity.

Certain plants are traditionally associated with particular moments: verbena with the end of the day, mint with refreshing breaks, hibiscus with tangy summer drinks, and green tea with botanical pauses throughout the day. These traditional uses should be understood as tasting suggestions rather than medical claims.

Above all, a refreshing infusion is a way to create a moment of pause: choosing a carafe, allowing the ingredients to infuse, adding fresh fruit and serving it slowly. This simple ritual adds pleasure to drinking, entertaining and taking time for yourself.

Precautions

As with all plant-based drinks, refreshing infusions should be selected according to their ingredients and enjoyed with care.

During pregnancy or breastfeeding, or in the case of medical treatment, a known health condition, allergies or uncertainty, it is advisable to seek guidance from a healthcare professional before consuming them regularly.

Green, black and white teas naturally contain caffeine. They may not be suitable for people who are sensitive to it, particularly later in the day.

For children, it is preferable to choose simple, caffeine-free infusions and to check the ingredients on a case-by-case basis.

Finally, a homemade iced infusion is best kept in the refrigerator for only a few hours, in a clean, covered carafe. To enjoy it at its freshest, it is recommended to consume it within the day.

FAQ

What Should You Drink in Very Hot Weather?

When the weather is very hot, water remains essential. To add variety, you can also prepare refreshing infusions, iced herbal teas or homemade iced teas, ideally without added sugar and served well chilled.

Which Infusion Should You Drink in Summer?

In summer, infusions with red berries, hibiscus, mint, lemon, peach or verbena are particularly enjoyable. They can easily be served cold in a carafe with ice cubes and a few pieces of fresh fruit.

How Do You Make a Homemade Iced Infusion?

Prepare a concentrated hot infusion, then pour it directly over ice cubes before topping it up with very cold water. This quick method creates a refreshing drink in just a few minutes while preserving its flavour.

Can Herbal Tea Be Drunk Cold?

Yes, herbal tea can be enjoyed cold. It can either be prepared hot and then chilled, or infused directly in cold water for several hours in the refrigerator.

Which Alcohol-Free Drink Should You Serve during Summer?

A homemade iced infusion is a wonderful alcohol-free drink for summer. It can be served in a carafe with citrus fruit, mint, red berries, peach or a splash of sparkling water.

What Is the Difference Between Iced Tea and an Iced Infusion?

Iced tea is made with green, black or white tea and therefore naturally contains caffeine. An iced infusion can be made with fruits, flowers, plants or rooibos, depending on the recipe, and may be caffeine-free.

Can You Make a Refreshing Infusion Without Sugar?

Yes, a refreshing infusion can be prepared without added sugar. Fruits, plants and flowers already bring plenty of flavour. It is best to taste the drink before adding a little honey or syrup if desired.