Summer in China can be hot and humid, making it essential to stay cool and hydrated. Traditional Chinese tea culture has long embraced cooling teas, which help reduce body heat, prevent dehydration, and refresh the mind. Chinese fresh tea, combined with herbs, fruits, and flowers, creates natural cooling drinks that are not only delicious but also beneficial for health.
This article explores:
✔️ The cooling properties of Chinese tea
✔️ Best types of Chinese tea for summer
✔️ Traditional and modern cooling tea recipes
✔️ How to brew and enjoy these teas properly
1. How Chinese Tea Helps Cool the Body in Summer
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), food and drinks are classified based on their effects on the body. Cooling teas help:
🌀 Dispel excess heat – Reduce body temperature naturally.
💧 Prevent dehydration – Provide hydration and replenish minerals.
🌿 Balance internal energy (Yin-Yang) – Reduce “heatiness” (internal heat buildup).
🍃 Improve digestion – Soothe the stomach after heavy meals.
😌 Refresh the mind – Reduce fatigue and boost mental clarity.
Tea contains antioxidants and polyphenols, which protect the body from oxidative stress caused by excessive heat exposure.
2. Best Chinese Teas for Summer Cooling
🍃 2.1. Green Tea (绿茶, Lǜ Chá)
Green tea is the ultimate cooling tea in Chinese tradition. It is lightly processed, retains high antioxidants, and helps lower body heat and boost hydration.
Best Varieties:
✔️ Longjing (龙井, Dragon Well) – Refreshing, slightly sweet.
✔️ Biluochun (碧螺春, Green Snail Spring) – Fruity and floral.
How It Helps:
✅ Cools body heat
✅ Boosts hydration
✅ Improves digestion
🌿 2.2. Chrysanthemum Tea (菊花茶, Júhuā Chá)
Chrysanthemum tea is a classic summer remedy in China. It is naturally caffeine-free and has a cooling effect on the body.
How It Helps:
✅ Soothes heat-related headaches
✅ Relieves eye strain (from summer sun exposure)
✅ Calms the nervous system
🍊 2.3. White Tea (白茶, Bái Chá)
White tea is the least processed tea, which makes it high in antioxidants and gentle on the stomach. It provides a delicate cooling effect.
Best Varieties:
✔️ Silver Needle (白毫银针, Bai Hao Yin Zhen) – Light, floral, and cooling.
✔️ White Peony (白牡丹, Bai Mu Dan) – Stronger flavor with nutty notes.
How It Helps:
✅ Cleanses toxins from the body
✅ Hydrates the skin (preventing summer dryness)
✅ Supports immunity
🥭 2.4. Lemon and Pu-erh Tea (柠檬普洱茶, Níngméng Pǔ’ěr Chá)
Pu-erh tea is a fermented tea that aids digestion and helps cool the body from the inside when paired with lemon.
How It Helps:
✅ Improves digestion after heavy summer meals
✅ Detoxifies the liver
✅ Boosts metabolism
3. Cooling Tea Recipes for Summer
🍋 3.1. Classic Iced Green Tea with Lemon & Honey
This simple tea is refreshing, hydrating, and packed with antioxidants.
Ingredients:
✔️ 2 tsp Longjing green tea
✔️ 1 tbsp honey
✔️ 1 lemon slice
✔️ 500ml cold water
✔️ Ice cubes
Instructions:
1️⃣ Steep green tea in hot water (80°C/176°F) for 2 minutes.
2️⃣ Let it cool, then add honey and lemon.
3️⃣ Pour over ice and serve cold.
✨ Optional: Add mint leaves for extra freshness!
🌼 3.2. Chrysanthemum & Goji Berry Tea (菊花枸杞茶, Júhuā Gǒuqǐ Chá)
A classic summer remedy in China, good for cooling the body and soothing the eyes.
Ingredients:
✔️ 5–6 chrysanthemum flowers
✔️ 1 tbsp goji berries
✔️ 500ml warm water
Instructions:
1️⃣ Steep chrysanthemum flowers in hot water (90°C/194°F) for 5 minutes.
2️⃣ Add goji berries and let sit for another 3 minutes.
3️⃣ Serve warm or chill it for a refreshing iced version.
✨ Optional: Add honey for a touch of sweetness!
🍉 3.3. Watermelon White Tea Cooler
Watermelon is a natural coolant, and when combined with white tea, it makes a super refreshing summer drink.
Ingredients:
✔️ 2 tsp Silver Needle white tea
✔️ 1 cup fresh watermelon juice
✔️ 1 tsp lime juice
✔️ Ice cubes
Instructions:
1️⃣ Brew white tea at 75°C (167°F) for 3 minutes.
2️⃣ Let it cool, then mix with watermelon juice and lime.
3️⃣ Pour over ice and enjoy!
✨ Optional: Add basil or mint for extra flavor!
🥭 3.4. Mango & Mint Pu-erh Iced Tea
This fruity iced tea is perfect for digestion and cooling down after a summer meal.
Ingredients:
✔️ 1 tbsp Pu-erh tea leaves
✔️ 1/2 cup fresh mango puree
✔️ 1 tsp honey
✔️ 5–6 mint leaves
✔️ Ice cubes
Instructions:
1️⃣ Brew Pu-erh tea at 95°C (203°F) for 3 minutes.
2️⃣ Let it cool, then blend with mango puree and honey.
3️⃣ Pour over ice, add mint leaves, and serve.
🍑 3.5. Peach & Oolong Summer Tea
Oolong tea has a rich, refreshing taste, and when combined with peach, it creates a cooling and fruity drink.
Ingredients:
✔️ 1 tbsp Tieguanyin oolong tea
✔️ 1 fresh peach (sliced)
✔️ 1 tsp honey
✔️ Ice cubes
Instructions:
1️⃣ Brew oolong tea at 85°C (185°F) for 4 minutes.
2️⃣ Let it cool, then mix with fresh peach slices and honey.
3️⃣ Serve over ice and enjoy!
✨ Optional: Add sparkling water for a fizzy version!
4. How to Enjoy Cooling Teas for Best Results
✔️ Drink tea regularly – 2–3 cups per day during summer.
✔️ Use fresh, high-quality tea leaves for the best cooling effect.
✔️ Avoid adding too much sugar, as it can cause dehydration.
✔️ Drink tea at the right temperature – Slightly warm teas cool the body better than ice-cold drinks.
💡 Pair cooling teas with light summer meals like salads, fresh fruits, and steamed vegetables for optimal results!
5. Conclusion
Chinese fresh tea offers natural cooling properties, making it an excellent drink for hot summer days. Whether you choose green tea, white tea, oolong, or herbal teas, each variety provides hydration, refreshment, and health benefits. By trying traditional and modern cooling tea recipes, you can enjoy delicious and revitalizing summer drinks while staying cool and energized.
👉 Which cooling tea recipe will you try first? Let us know in the comments! 🍵✨
