The heat’s on and it’s time for some exceptional cool-down pairings. Try fresh iced mint tea (garnished with a fresh mint sprig) with peeled grapes on shredded crisp lettuce. Then, add the binding grand ingredient – fresh mint vinaigrette. This is an extraordinary combination. For further exploration, try iced orange flavored tea with a lovely salad sprinkled with chilled Mandarin oranges. It is important to keep the flavored iced tea paired with a light fruit-filled salad for the best grouping. Another one of my June favorites is iced blackberry tea paired with a mixed berry salad and poppyseed dressing. The market is full of a spectrum of exciting, colorful and flavorful fruit. The inspiration is yours and it is as simple as the need for cooling comfort during the heat of the season. © Kelly McBride Loft