Summer is here and the heat is on! Whether you’re at a family BBQ or lying out by the pool the perfect summer drink is a cool and refreshing glass of ice tea.

The unique flavors range from Lemon Soufflé to Tropical Sunset to Sencha Pina Colada, in green, black or white teas.

One of the most important things to do in the heat is stay hydrated and did you know tea can do just that?

A research study conducted at Kings College in London said drinking three or more cups of tea a day will actually rehydrate you.

Drinking this amount of tea a day could actually be as good for you as drinking water. Tea might even be better since it does not only hydrate the body, but also supplies healthy minerals and phytochemicals.

It is very easy to make iced tea at home with loose leaves.

The method that Wingert and Souvia recommend for making your own iced tea at home is Cold-steeping. For the cold steeping method you need 1 teaspoon (about 2 grams) of loose tea for every 6 ounces of water.

Use room temperature water in a pitcher or similar container; add the right amount of your selected tea. Fill the container with water and allow to steep 2-8 hours (overnight works fine). They also prefer using loose leaf tea rather than tea bags.

Wingert says, “Whole tea leaves unfurl slowly in water and can therefore be steeped more than once.” Loose leaf tea is easier, tastier and more economical than most people think!

Here’s some of the modern tea tools in action