Summer beverage trends emphasize "functional wellness"—drinks that hydrate while providing stress relief, gut health, or natural energy. By combining fresh herbs and botanical bases, you can easily create refreshing, sugar-conscious mocktails and iced teas that support holistic health.
Guava leaves, mango leaves, hibiscus and ginger create a vibrant, tropical herbal blend. Perfect for hot weather, these ingredients can be combined into a refreshing, antioxidant-rich iced tea. The sharpness of hibiscus pairs perfectly with the sweet, tropical flavors of mango and guava, while ginger adds a crisp, cooling kick.
Tropical guava-mango and hibiscus cooler
This naturally caffeine-free summer beverage balances sweet and sharp profiles and is amazingly simple to prepare.
Ingredients (serves 2 to 3):
4 cups water
½ cup dried hibiscus flowers (or 4 hibiscus tea bags)
1 large ripe mango, peeled and cubed
1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated
5-6 fresh young guava leaves, washed
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Ice cubes
Directions
Brew the herbal base:
In a pot, combine the 4 cups of water, grated ginger and guava leaves. Bring to a tender boil, then turn off the heat.
Add the hibiscus flowers or tea bags, cover and let steep for 10-15 minutes.
-Strain and cool:
Strain the liquid into a glass jug to remove the leaves and hibiscus. Throw away the solids. Stir in your honey or maple syrup while the tea is still warm so it dissolves easily. Let the mixture cool completely, then place it in the fridge until chilled.
-Make the mango puree:
While the tea is chilling, blend the mango cubes with lemon juice and a splash of water until completely smooth.
-Assemble:
Fill glasses with ice cubes, pour in the mango puree and top it off with your chilled hibiscus-guava-ginger tea. Stir well before drinking.
Why the blend works for Summer
Hibiscus:
Rich in antioxidants and offers a tart, cranberry-like flavor that is extremely cooling.
Mango leaves:
Add a bright tropical depth and is celebrated in traditional wellness for its relaxing properties.
Guava leaves:
Give the tea a gentle, earthy undertone and support digestion.
Ginger:
Adds a fresh brightness that acts as a natural palate cleaner and invigorates the body on hot humid afternoons.