Happy summer witches! I for one am SO ready to kick back at the beach with a cute pair of sunglasses, a good book, and a nice, cool, refreshing drink. Who doesn’t love ditching the responsibilities of everyday life for a little bit? That being said, vacation also gives you tons of time to work on your craft, which you definitely should. But if you're anything like me you just might forget all about it in favor of sitting on the couch and watching New Girl for the sixteenth time. 

Luckily, the queen of lazy witches is here to give you a pro-tip on easy, everyday witchcraft: kitchen magick. I’ve talked about kitchen magick before and how useful it can be for witches on the go, but it’s also a handy skill for anyone who would just rather be doing anything else. One of my all time favorite ways to incorporate magick into my culinary adventures is drinks, and summer is perhaps the most appropriate time to learn.

Drink magick is pretty easy, all things considered. Any time you stir or mix a drink, stir your manifestations into it! You can do this in the form of a chant or mantra, or even stirring in the shape of a sigil! You can also incorporate magical ingredients, like brewing your tea with moon water. It is very important to note that anyone consuming any kind of magical food item should be made aware of it before eating or drinking. They are taking part in your magic and any party should consent. No means no applies to witchcraft too.

Tea and magick are so tightly interwoven that you pretty much can’t think of witches without picturing a little kettle whistling in the background. Witches in pop culture are known for reading tea leaves and calming the nerves with a nice warm cup of chamomile. But come on, it’s June, who wants steam in your face in this weather? Thus, we are brought to what is (in my opinion) the world’s greatest invention, iced tea. Here’s my recipes for Summer Love Iced Tea and my Peaceful Peach cocktail.

Summer Love Iced Tea

Serves 1-2, depending on how thirsty you are.

Ingredients:

• 2 bags of Twining’s Strawberry & Raspberry tea

  • Note: can substitute with one bag each of any strawberry and raspberry teas

• 4 tbsp. Of lemon juice, freshly squeezed

• 2 tbsp. Of granulated sugar

• Ice

• Mint, for garnish

Instructions:

Bring water to 208-212 degrees Fahrenheit, the optimal water temperature for fruit, floral, and herbal teas, and steep for 3-5 minutes or according to the instructions on the box. In a glass, stir together the lemon juice and sugar to make a half-hearted lemonade and add ice. Then once the tea is finished steeping, pour into the glass and stir. Garnish with mint sprig and serve!

Inspired by my favorite drink, an Arnold Palmer, this iced tea is perfect for a witch looking to get herself ready for hot girl summer. Strawberry and raspberry teas are symbolic of love, confidence, and good fortune. If you like this tea, another pro tip is to make ice cubes with the tea beforehand so the water doesn’t dilute the flavor.  

Perfect Peach Cocktail

Serves 2

Ingredients:

• 2 bags of Tazo Organic Peachy Green tea (or any peach tea)

• 8 oz. Peach Schnapps

• 8 oz. lemon-lime soda

• Ice

• Raspberries, for garnish

Instructions:

Bring water to 208-212 degrees Fahrenheit and steep for 3-5 minutes. In a cocktail shaker, fill with ice and add your Peach Schnapps and soda. When the tea is finished steeping, add to the shaker and shake well. Strain into two glasses with fresh ice and add a few raspberries on top for garnish, and you’re ready to serve.

This drink has been the saving grace of my spring. I’ve been drinking them just about as fast as I can make them, and they’re perfect for warm days outside with your friends. This drink DOES contain alcohol, but it can just easily be made without it by subbing in lemonade. The magical properties of peaches include vitality and wisdom, so not only is it just straight up delicious, it’s a great drink for garden book clubs or coven meetings. (Once again, CCM does not condone underage drinking. And drink responsibly!)