Savoring Summer: A Yutori-Inspired Guide to Seasonal Teas

As the northern sun stretches long into the evenings and warm breezes carry the scent of blooming herbs and fresh grass, summer invites us to slow down. To breathe. To sip.

At Northern Lights Tea, we believe in making space—for ritual, for calm, and for simple joy. That’s the spirit of yutori, a Japanese concept that speaks to creating room in one’s life for grace and presence. And what better way to embody that than through a quiet cup of tea?

This season, we invite you to explore a few favorite summer brews that reflect the ease and lightness of the months ahead. These teas are refreshing, gentle, and beautifully suited for warm days, whether you’re stretched out on the porch, tending the garden, or simply taking a pause.

Cold-Brewed Green and White Teas: Stillness in a Jar

Cold-brewing is summer’s gift to the tea lover—no boiling water, no waiting for things to cool. Just fresh leaves, clean water, and time.

Steep your favorite green or white tea—like our Jasmine Pearl or Passion Fruit—in cold water for 8 to 12 hours in the fridge. The result is smooth, subtly sweet, and never bitter. Add fresh mint, lemon balm, or cucumber for an extra layer of brightness.

This method is as much about the process as the result. It asks for patience, for presence. A reminder that good things unfold slowly.

Herbal Iced Teas: Cooling and Centering

Herbal teas shine in summer, offering caffeine-free refreshment and a wealth of calming properties.

• Peppermint and Sweetmint blends cool the body and soothe digestion—perfect after an afternoon in the sun.

• Chamomile or Pitta (Fire) bring gentle floral notes and a soft unwind to your evening.

• Marigold Lemon Tulsi is bright, grounding, and slightly citrusy—a personal favorite for golden hour reflection.

Brew hot, then chill, or try a cold infusion overnight. However you prepare them, these herbal teas support the slow, steady joy of yutori.

Rooibos and Fruit Tisanes: Vibrant and Caffeine-Free

For a bold flavor without the buzz, rooibos and fruit-based tisanes are perfect summer companions.

Naturally sweet and earthy, rooibos takes well to citrus and spice. Fruit-forward tisanes like King Tut Lemonade or Citrus Hibiscus are delicious served over ice, and can be easily garnished with fresh berries or edible flowers.

These blends are family-friendly, endlessly customizable, and carry the sun-drenched essence of the season.

A Few Thoughtful Tips for Summer Brewing

• Choose glass or ceramic containers for brewing and storing your iced teas. They help preserve the delicate flavor and enhance the beauty of the experience.

• Sweeten sparingly, if at all. A drizzle of raw honey or a splash of maple syrup can add gentle complexity without overpowering the tea.

• Layer in extras like lemon peel, lavender buds, or mint to elevate both aroma and taste.

• Store in the fridge for 2–3 days. Many blends can even be re-steeped for a lighter second infusion.

Sip Slowly, Live Lightly

In the midst of long days and golden light, may your tea ritual be a moment of pause. A time to check in, to cool down, to return to yourself.

At Northern Lights Tea, we believe in tea as a path to presence—and summer is full of opportunity to live that way. With each steep, may you make space. With each sip, may you find calm.

Here’s to a summer lived with Yutori.