April Showers Tea: Cozy Springtime Brews For Rainy Days

April showers might bring May flowers, but they also bring the perfect excuse to stay inside, wrap up in a soft blanket and sip on something comforting. While spring is often celebrated for its budding blooms and longer days, it can also be chilly, damp and unpredictable at times, making a soothing cup of homemade tea the ultimate seasonal treat.

Honey Lavender Tea

Why You’ll Love It: Spring rains can make for gray, drizzly afternoons that call for warmth and relaxation. This blend of citrus, honey and fresh herbs captures the bright, clean scents of the season while providing the cozy warmth needed to shake off the lingering chill.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups water
• 1 chamomile tea bag
• 1 teaspoon dried lavender (or a few fresh lavender sprigs)
• 1 sprig fresh mint (or 1 teaspoon dried mint)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon honey (or more to taste)
• 1 small piece of fresh ginger (optional, for extra warmth)

Instructions:

1. In a small pot, bring the water to a gentle simmer. As the rain taps against your window, let the steam rise and fill your kitchen with warmth.
2. Add the chamomile, lavender, mint and lemon zest to the water. If using ginger, toss it in now for an extra layer of cozy spice.
3. Cover the pot and let the tea steep for about 5 to 7 minutes.
4. Strain the tea into your favorite mug, add honey to taste and stir gently.
5. Sip slowly, letting the soothing herbs and citrusy brightness wash over you like a spring drizzle.

Strawberry Mint Iced Tea

Why You’ll Love It: Iced tea lovers, we didn’t forget about you. This drink blends the sweetness of seasonally ripe strawberries with the cool freshness of mint, creating a beautifully fragrant iced tea for those who still want a refreshing glimpse of warmer days to come. Bonus points if you steep your tea bags in the sun!

• 4 cups water
• 3 black tea bags
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
• One-quarter cup honey (or sweetener of choice)
• One-half cup fresh mint leaves
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Bring water to a boil and steep the tea bags for 5 minutes. Remove tea bags and let cool.
2. In a small saucepan, simmer strawberries with honey until softened, about 5 minutes. Strain the mixture and discard solids.
3. Add the strawberry syrup and mint leaves to the tea. Let it chill in the fridge for at least an hour.
4. Serve over ice and garnish with extra strawberries and mint.

Spring may be known for its sunshine and flowers, but its rain-soaked days have their own magic. There’s something special about finding comfort in the little things – like a special drink in your hands, the patter of raindrops outside, and the fresh, earthy scent of a storm passing through. These aren’t just recipes; they’re an invitation to slow down, savor the season and enjoy the beauty of spring, rain and all.

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