Summer is officially underway! Here in Michigan, it took a while for the heat to come but once it did, we were in full gear. We switched out our mugs for glasses and ... for ice cubes.

I don't know about you but once the temperature reaches above 70 degrees, I begin craving iced tea. Fortunately for me, I know a good brand. RefuTea makes some of the best hot and iced tea and if you haven't tried both yet, you're missing out.

Throughout the next season I will be posting six recipes featuring RefuTea and an extra twist so that you can enjoy fun flavors all summer long. Watch for "Summer Sips" posts as you scroll through your news feed! You can always check the website, too.

To kick off Summer Sips, we're starting with a classic: Amber Peach. I remember growing up loving anything that resembled a creamsicle in the summertime. That's what inspired this combo. 

What's extra special about it is the cream soda. Kittywampus is a local brand out of Holland, Michigan which focuses on "artisanal small-batch sodas using natural ingredients". You can find out more about the brand here. I got it at Cubi Market when I was restocking tea there a few weeks ago. They have great local products from butchers, farmers, and vendors; plus, easy-to-use curbside pickup!

Okay, that's enough talk- let's get to the action! Let me know how you like the recipe by posting a photo and tagging @RefuTea with the hashtag #RefuTeaSummerSips.

Enjoy!

Tensions are running high in Ukraine. The conflict caused by Russian invasion has caused 2,685 civilian casualties and created 3,866,224 refugees* since only February 24.


Being 5,687 miles away, it often feels there is nothing we can do. 
But there is.

Support has flooded in from around the world in an effort to help Ukrainians wherever it is needed. One such organization based in North Carolina, Samaritan's Purse, has launched a 24-hour medical clinic outside a train station in Lviv and an emergency outpatient clinic in southern Ukraine. They also operate a mobile medical unit in Ukraine's southern neighbor, Moldova, and have been distributing blankets, hygiene kits, and other non-food items to refugee families. They see roughly 50 patients per day. 

The most recent airlift delivered more than 19 tons of relief to the team.

"Many patients have been directly impacted by the conflict—including some who’ve arrived with shrapnel and gunshot wounds. Others are travelers with medical conditions made more dangerous by the strain of the evacuations. Pregnant women are among the thousands fleeing."

(https://samaritanspurse.org/article/updates-from-ukraine-response-fourth-samaritans-purse-airlift-departs/)


Samaritan's Purse has been an extremely effective support to the Ukrainian people in their time of need, which is why RefuTea is donating $5 per bag of Peaceful Peppermint sold in the month of April to the cause.

I continue to hope and pray for peace for the Ukrainian as well as Russian people.

Warmly,
RefuTea

If you'd like to learn more about how Samaritan's Purse is helping in Ukraine, check out this video (link) --> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNrCzf8kQHw.





*https://www.cfr.org/global-conflict-tracker/conflict/conflict-ukraine
References: https://samaritanspurse.org/article/updates-from-the-field-medical-interventions-in-ukraine-and-moldova/, https://samaritanspurse.org/article/updates-from-ukraine-response-fourth-samaritans-purse-airlift-departs/

Smooth and refreshing - this spritzer recipe is perfect paired with your summer grilled dinners or while sipping and relaxing on the porch! Try it out while savoring the last sweet days of summer!

1. Steep one tablespoon African Spiced Pear tea in 4 ounces hot water for 3 minutes.
2.Add ice.
3.Add 4 ounces of your favorite carbonated water beverage or cream soda.
4. Garnish and enjoy!

Sangria time!  Sangria, traditionally a wine punch, originated in Spain.  According to VinePair, Americans were first introduced to sangria at the 1964 World’s Fair in New York City.  Interestingly, Spaniards do not drink sangria regularly, preferring tinto de verano, a red wine mixed with a fizzy fruit beverage.  Sangria in Spain is mainly for tourists, but that doesn’t mean it isn't delicious!  

Check out this recipe from Kirbie Cravings and let us know what you think of Spain’s most famous drink!

Iced Tea Sangria

• 4 cups fresh brewed iced tea
  • We suggest one of our fruit teas, like Amber Peach or Raspberry Refuge!  
• 2 cups white wine
• honey or simple syrup to taste
• 2 cups chopped fresh fruit

Mix wine, simple syrup (or honey), and tea until the syrup is dissolved.  Add your choice of sweetener (honey or simple syrup) until your sangria reaches desired sweetness. Refrigerate for several hours or overnight. Before serving, add in fresh fruit. Serve chilled, over ice.