Are you ready for a new summer obsession? Thankfully this insanely delicious drink recipe is easy to make, free of added sugars, filled with electrolytes and antioxidants, and perfect for keeping your Pitta cool throughout the summer. In fact, with this amazing blend of herbal goodness and electrolyte power, it is the perfect companion at the gym or anytime you are feeling hot and sweaty!

This refreshing tonic is made using our COOL DOWN Tea blend which includes a variety of anti-inflammatory, Pitta-soothing herbs such as Lemongrass, Brahmi, Shatavari, Rose, Chrysanthemum, Nettles, and of course, Hibiscus! Although I can sip this tea all day, I wanted to add something that would bring a touch of sweetness without being overpowering or unhealthy. I have had a 10+ year love affair with coconut water and being so hydrating, cooling, and energizing (not to mention absolutely delicious), it seemed like a great addition to my new summer drink.

Coconut water* is most well known for its natural electrolyte properties which help to hydrate and stabilize the body. However, drinking coconut water all day is not recommended because it does contain a hefty amount of sugar (albeit natural). Mixing coconut water with the COOL DOWN Tea blend is the ultimate way to “indulge” in the sweet and healing properties of coconut water without consuming nearly as much sugar.

*Please note that not all coconut water is made the same! I highly recommend spending the extra money and buying an organic, raw, preservative-free brand that needs refrigeration (meaning it is not shelf-stable). I use Harmless Harvest which (in my opinion) is the next best thing to buying a young coconut (which is even better!).

You may notice that the picture I have shown has ice in it. I must admit, however, this is a stock picture and Ayurveda does not recommend drinking any drinks with ice or even at too cold of a temperature—even in the summertime! This is because excessively cold beverages will quite literally put out the digestive fire (Agni) and therefore will hamper and weaken digestion (not to mention increase Vata). To enjoy this COOL DOWN cooler without negatively affecting your Agni, drink it warm, at room temperature, or slightly cooler. During the summer, I will take this pre-made tonic out of the refrigerator a couple of hours before I want to drink it to get it to a balanced temperature—not too cold, but cool enough to soothe my Pitta and refresh my body.

Hibiscus and Coconut COOL DOWN Cooler Recipe

Click here for a printable copy of this recipe.

Doshic effect: Vata↓*, Pitta↓, Kapha↓
Makes: about 5 to 6 cups (cut the recipe in half or double as needed!)
Cook time: 15 minutes

*May provoke Vata if served too cold.

Materials

Medium saucepan
Fine mesh strainer, cheesecloth, muslin cloth, or thin dish towel (for straining)
Large stainless steel or glass vessel for straining the tea into (I use an 8-cup Pyrex measuring cup)

Ingredients

4½ cups water (ideally filtered)
4 heaping tablespoons COOL DOWN Tea blend
2 to 3 cups raw, organic coconut water (use 3 cups for more sweetness)

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Directions

Click here for a printable copy of this recipe.

1. Place the water in a medium saucepan and bring it to just below a boil.

2. Once heated, reduce the heat to the lowest setting and stir in the COOL DOWN Tea.

3. Steep uncovered for 15 minutes.

NOTE: If you wish to enhance the properties of the herbs, you can steep for up to 30 minutes, but the longer the steep, the more bitter and strong the herbs will be.

4. Strain the herbs into a stainless steel or glass vessel using a fine mesh strain, thin dish cloth, muslin cloth, cheesecloth, or thick paper towel.

NOTE: If you prefer a sediment-free drink, a thin cloth or thick paper towel often will do the trick.

5. Let the tea cool to the desired temperature.

6. Add in the coconut water and blend evenly.

7. Serve in a fancy wine glass, rustic ball jar, or your favorite summertime glass.

8. Enjoy this tonic slightly cool throughout the heat of spring and summer (avoid ice please!). During the colder seasons, drink at room temperature or slightly warm.

9. This drink is a perfect companion during or after your workout, but can be taken daily anytime you need to stabilize excessive heat and balance your Pitta!

10. Store extra in the refrigerator in an airtight glass jar for up to 5 days.