Summer Herb Cold Brew Tea Recipe

Lemongrass Peach Rosemary Cold Brew Tea

One of my favorite things about gardening is discovering new ways to use what we're growing. This summer, I was inspired by the cold brew tea series from @ohhowcivilized on Instagram, where each recipe combines one tea, one herb, one fruit, and one citrus. It was the perfect excuse to head into the garden and create my own version.

At Rancho de Anaya, herbs are some of our favorite crops because they're easy to grow, incredibly versatile, and full of flavor. Annual herbs like basil and cilantro produce all summer long, while perennial herbs like rosemary and thyme can provide fresh harvests year after year.

Fresh herbs are also one of the most expensive—and delicate—ingredients at the grocery store. They often lose their flavor quickly after harvest, which makes growing your own even more rewarding. With just a few plants, you can snip fresh herbs for meals, homemade dressings, marinades, desserts, and refreshing drinks all season long. Adding herbs to your meals is a simple way to bring fresh flavor to whole foods and reduce your reliance on heavily processed seasonings.

🍑 Recipe: Lemongrass, Peach & Rosemary Cold Brew Tea

This combination quickly became one of my summer favorites. It's light, refreshing, and easy to make ahead for hot afternoons.

Ingredients

• 2–3 tablespoons dried lemongrass tea

• 1 large ripe peach, sliced

• 1 lemon, peeled and sliced

• 1 sprig fresh rosemary, leaves removed

• 4 cups cold water

Instructions

1. Add the peach, lemon, rosemary, and lemongrass tea to a quart-size mason jar.

2. Gently muddle the ingredients to release more flavor.

3. Add the cold water, cover, and refrigerate for 12–24 hours.

4. Strain and serve over ice.

Optional Lemongrass Syrup

For a sweeter tea, brew 1 cup of water with ¼ cup dried lemongrass, strain, then stir in 1 cup sugar or ½ cup honey or agave while the tea is warm. Cool completely and sweeten your cold brew to taste.

One of the best parts of this method is experimenting with whatever is growing in your garden. Try combinations like mint and strawberries, basil and blueberries, lemon balm and cucumber, or lavender and blackberries.

If you grow herbs—even just a few pots on your patio—you'll always have fresh ingredients ready to transform everyday meals and drinks. Sometimes the simplest harvests become the most memorable recipes.