2025 Summer Tea Bucket List: 12 Creative Tea Ideas & Recipes to Try This Season
Fall and winter may be the obvious seasons for tea lovers, with cozy cups and warming blends, but what about summer? Summer is the perfect time to explore new ways to enjoy and engage with tea. From crafting your own unique blends to making refreshing tea-based desserts, this summer is all about embracing the versatility of tea. Checkout our summer tea bucket list that the whole family will love–from delicious tea-based drinks to creative projects. Discover new ways to enjoy tea all summer long.
June 21 - June 27: Make Sun Tea
Kick off your summer with the quintessential summer tea experience—sun tea! Gather your favorite tea leaves, a jar of cold water, and set it in the sun for 3-4 hours. The sun's gentle heat infuses the tea with a soft, refreshing flavor.
This is the perfect activity to kickstart your summer tea adventure, and it’s especially fun to do with friends or family while enjoying the outdoors.
June 28 - July 4: Tea Ice Cream Float
Add a fun twist to your tea time with a Tea Ice Cream Float. The kids will love this, too. Brew a strong cup of Vangedi Pekoe or Ravana’s Uva Brew, chill it, and pour it over a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream. The rich, malty flavors of the tea combine perfectly with the creaminess of the ice cream. It’s a delightful dessert that doubles as a drink, perfect for hot summer afternoons. (If you enjoy a London Fog, you could add a drop of food grade bergamot essential oil to your tea before pouring over the ice cream.)
July 5 - July 11: Tea Tasting at Home
Transform your home into a mini tea-tasting room! Choose three to five different teas—perhaps a mix of black, green, oolong, and herbal—and compare their aromas, flavors, and mouthfeel. Use small cups, taste them plain (without sweeteners or milk), and take notes on what you experience. To elevate the experience, pair the teas with light snacks like dried fruit, cheese, or dark chocolate. This is a great way to deepen your appreciation for tea and discover new favorites! Here’s our guide to help you prepare.
July 12 - July 18: Create Your Own Summer Tea Blend
Get creative by making your own summer tea blend! Choose a base tea like green tea or rooibos and then experiment by adding dried fruits (like hibiscus or apple), herbs (such as mint or lavender), and spices (like cinnamon or ginger). Blend your ingredients together, and you’ll have a personalized tea to enjoy for the rest of the season. Bonus: This makes a great gift for fellow tea lovers! Our Smoky Green Tea has a complex profile that makes a great base.
July 19 - July 25: Iced Matcha Lemonade
For a vibrant and energizing summer drink, try making Iced Matcha Lemonade. Matcha gives you a smooth boost of energy, while the lemonade adds a tangy, refreshing twist. Blend matcha with fresh lemon juice, a bit of sweetener, and ice for the ultimate summer cooler. This drink is perfect for afternoon refreshment or a pre-yoga pick-me-up.
July 26 - August 1: Tea Infused Cocktails
Elevate your summer cocktail game with tea-infused cocktails! Brew a strong, chilled cup of Vangedi Pekoe or Ravana’s Uva Brew, and then mix it with your favorite spirits like rum, gin, or bourbon. Add some simple syrup, fresh herbs, and citrus slices for a refreshing, tea-inspired cocktail. A great option for summer evenings or outdoor gatherings with friends.
Here are some holiday tea cocktail ideas to get you started (especially if you celebrate Christmas in July)
August 2 - August 8: Make Your Own Tea Bags
Looking for a creative way to personalize your tea experience? Make Your Own Tea Bags using muslin cloth, tea, and a bit of string. Choose your favorite tea leaves, create a small DIY pouch, and tie it with string. You can even experiment with unique blends and gift them to others. It’s a great activity for tea lovers who want to add a special touch to their tea routine.
August 9 - August 15: Herbal Iced Tea + Fruit Popsicles
Combine the best of both worlds with Iced Tea and Fruit Popsicles. Brew a large batch of tea, such as black tea with mint, then pour it into popsicle molds, adding in fruit chunks like berries, lemon slices, or peaches before freezing. It’s a perfect summer treat that lets you enjoy the coolness of iced tea and the sweetness of fruit in one delicious pop.
August 16 - August 22: Tea Party Picnic
Host a Tea Party Picnic! Pack a picnic basket with your favorite teas—whether they’re hot or iced—along with delicious snacks like scones and fresh fruit. Choose a scenic outdoor spot, whether it’s a local park or your own backyard, and enjoy the simple pleasure of sipping tea in good company. It’s an easy and fun way to celebrate summer.
August 23 - August 29: Cold Brew Tea Experiment
Try something new with a Cold Brew Tea Experiment. Select a tea like Ravana’s Uva Brew or Heritage Smoky Green Tea and cold brew it overnight for a smooth, lightly caffeinated tea that’s perfect for warm weather. Once brewed, add a few different flavoring options like a squeeze of lemon, fresh mint, or even a splash of coconut water. See which combination you love most!
August 30 - September 5: Make Tea-Infused Ice Cubes
Take your iced tea game up a notch with Tea-Infused Ice Cubes. Brew a strong tea (green, black, or herbal), pour it into an ice cube tray, and freeze it. Use these tea cubes in your iced tea to prevent dilution, or add them to your summer drinks and cocktails. It’s a simple yet effective way to elevate your beverages all summer long.
September 6 - September 12: Tea-Infused Lemonade Stand
End your summer in style by setting up a Tea-Infused Lemonade Stand. Brew a strong, chilled tea (we recommend Ravana’s Uva Brew or Vangedi Pekoe) and mix it with freshly squeezed lemonade for a unique take on the classic stand. Add sweeteners or mint for extra flavor, and invite friends or neighbors to try your creations. It's a fun and engaging way to celebrate the last days of summer.
We hope this Summer Tea Bucket List will keep you busy all season long with a fun mix of refreshing teas, creative DIY projects, and unique activities that highlight the versatility of tea. Whether you're experimenting with iced teas or creating personalized tea gifts, there's something for everyone to enjoy this summer.
Cheers to trying something new and making this your best summer yet!