Summer is the perfect season for refreshing, cool treats. What better way to enjoy the sunshine than with delicious, homemade tea popsicles and ice cream?

These unique recipes not only offer a delightful twist on traditional summer desserts but also bring the rich, complex flavors of your favorite teas to the forefront. Whether you're a tea enthusiast or just looking for a new culinary adventure, making your own tea-based treats at home is fun and rewarding.

Let's dive into some easy-to-follow recipes that will keep you cool and satisfied all summer long.

Earl Grey Tea Ice Cream

Ingredients

- 2 cups of heavy cream
- 1 cup of whole milk
- 3/4 cup of granulated sugar
- 4 Earl Grey tea bags or 10 grams of loose tea*
- 6 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

* Note: You can use any of your favorite Earl Grey teas- or any strong black tea in that case! For example: Earl Grey Bravo, Earl Grey Moonlight, Earl Grey Lavender, Earl Grey Bella Luna, or Golden Spring, Scottish Breakfast, etc! Even our flavored black teas would be delicious!

Instructions

1. Infuse the Cream
In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream and milk. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat, add the Earl Grey tea bags or loose tea in an infuser, cover, and let steep for about 15 minutes. Remove the tea bags, squeezing out any excess liquid, and discard them.

2. Prepare the Base
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until the mixture is pale and thick. Slowly pour the warm tea-infused cream into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from curdling.

3. Cook the Custard
Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 170°F). Do not let it boil.

4. Chill the Mixture
Pour the custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove any lumps. Stir in the vanilla extract. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture until it is thoroughly chilled, at least 4 hours or overnight.

5. Churn the Ice Cream
Once chilled, pour the custard into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.

6. Freeze and Serve
Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until firm. Scoop and serve your homemade Earl Grey tea ice cream in bowls or cones, and enjoy the creamy, aromatic delight!.

DIY Green Tea and Lemon Popsicles

Tea popsicles are a fantastic way to beat the heat and enjoy your favorite tea blends in a new form. Here's a simple recipe to get you started!

Ingredients

- 3 cups of water
- 4 green tea bags or 10 grams of loose tea*
- 1/2 cup of honey
- Juice of 2 lemons
- Lemon slices (optional)


* Note: You can use any of your favorite green teas, flavored or unflavored! For example: Jasmine Phoenix Pearls, Gyokuro, Citrus Mint Green, Vanilla Green, etc!

Instructions

1. Brew the Tea
Boil the water and steep the green tea bags for about 5 minutes. Remove the tea bags and let the tea cool to room temperature.

2. Sweeten and Flavor
Stir in the honey and lemon juice until well combined. Taste the mixture and adjust sweetness or lemon juice as needed.

3. Prepare the Molds
Place a few lemon slices in your popsicle molds for a decorative touch. Pour the tea mixture into the molds, leaving a little space at the top for expansion.

4. Freeze
Insert the popsicle sticks and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until completely solid.

5. Enjoy
To release the popsicles from the molds, run them under warm water for a few seconds. Enjoy your refreshing green tea and lemon popsicles on a hot summer day!

Tips for Customizing Your Tea Treats

Experiment with Flavors

Don't hesitate to try different types of tea for your popsicles and ice cream. Matcha, chai, jasmine, and rooibos are all excellent options.

Add Mix-ins

Enhance your tea popsicles and ice cream with various mix-ins like fresh fruit, chocolate chips, nuts, or herbs.

Sweetness Level

Adjust the sweetness to your preference by adding more or less sugar, honey, or other unique Selefina sweeteners.

Dairy-Free Options

Substitute coconut milk, almond milk, or other plant-based milks for a dairy-free version of these recipes.

Creating your own tea popsicles and ice cream at home is not only a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of tea but also a fun summer activity. These treats are perfect for cooling down during the hot months and impressing your friends and family with your culinary skills. So, grab your favorite tea and get started on making these refreshing and delicious summer delights!