If “tea time” conjures up tense images of corseted old British ladies judging your every move, from your first cucumber sandwich to your last pettifore, all the while holding pinkies up! and lips pursed, then it’s time you re-think tea time.

Taking a moment for some refreshment in the middle of your day is just plain, well, refreshing, especially if it’s for iced tea time. Few things refresh on a hot August afternoon like iced tea. Cool, hydrating and with just the right little kick of caffeine (or not, if herbal’s your thing), iced tea is the kind of treat you can work into your daily routine with zero guilt and minimal effort.

Of course, we’re all for meeting friends at your favorite café or popping open the bottled stuff when you’re short on time, but there’s nothing like slowing down and savoring something fresh-brewed just for you. So, use our fruit-infused recipes, or find your own favorite, and have a mini tea ceremony in the middle of your day (or whenever you find a moment for mom). The important thing is that you make some time to chill. Go ahead—relax those pinkies, gulp, slurp, chew your ice cubes… The coast is totally clear—there's not a crusty British lady in sight.

Recipes for Relaxation:

Cranberry Craze Tea
Water
Herbal cranberry tea bags
Cranberry juice
Mint leaves

Fill a glass container half-way full with water, and insert enough tea bags for the water you have. Set it out in the sun for 2-4 hours. Remove the tea bags and stir in cranberry juice to fill the container. Add a few mint leaves and chill. Even your kids will love this delicious concoction.

Orange Refresher
2 cups water
2 tea bags
3 tablespoons fresh mint leaves
2 tablespoons sugar
4 cups orange juice
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

In a large saucepan, bring water to a boil; remove from heat. Add tea bags, mint leaves, and sugar; let stand 10 minutes. Remove tea bags. Transfer to a large pitcher; stir in orange juice and lemon juice. Chill.

Tuity Fruity Tea
Tea bags for 2 gallons of tea
1 1/2 quarts boiling water
2 cups sugar
1 (48-ounce) can pineapple juice
1 (12-ounce) can frozen orange juice
1 (12-ounce) can frozen lemonade

Place tea bags in bowl or pitcher. Pour boiling water over tea bags. Add sugar, stirring to dissolve. Let tea bags steep in sugar water several hours or overnight. Remove tea bags and pour tea into a large bowl. Add juices and stir well. Pour equal amounts into two one-gallon jugs. Add water to each to fill jug. Refrigerate. Shake well before serving.
Makes 2 gallons

Sweet Strawberry Tea
1 pint fresh strawberries, stemmed and cleaned
1/4 cup honey
1 (6 ounce) can frozen orange juice concentrate
2 cups brewed green tea, cooled

In a blender or food processor container, combine strawberries and honey; process until smooth. Add orange juice concentrate; process until well blended. Stir into cooled tea and serve over ice.