Fennel, rose, pandan, kokum: Offbeat teas to cool you down

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
mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal;background:whiteVibrant 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.

mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal;background:whitemso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal;background:whiteFennel 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.