It's hot, it's humid, and we're all struggling to keep cool in the current heatwave, but there's one cooling drink that really can help you feel less hot, and it's not iced coffee or coconut water13:05, 26 May 2026Summer has arrived with a vengeance this year, with temperatures across the UK soaring to 35 degrees in some parts of the country. As a result, Brits are seriously struggling to keep cool during the UK heatwave. In just one week, we've gone from still relying on electric blankets at night to ditching the covers altogether and still waking up in a sweat.‌We're all frantically ordering SPF 50 to lather over every inch of our bodies and rummaging through our wardrobes for summer clothes, but what exactly should you be drinking in this scorching weather to stay cool? Iced coffee and coconut water both have their merits, but neither seems to quite do the trick.‌After spotting a nutritionist claiming that hot mint tea was supposed to cool you down in warm weather, I was thoroughly unconvinced. How on earth could a hot drink possibly make you feel cooler?‌The very thought of sipping on a steaming cuppa is the last thing I fancy when my home feels like the surface of the sun, even with every window flung open.When I came across claims that hot mint tea could actually lower body temperature, my curiosity was piqued. Why? How? It did remind me of my grandma insisting that a good cup of tea on a sunny day was the secret to staying cool. And there was me thinking it was knocking back Aperol spritzes...Tempted by the prospect of feeling even slightly less overheated, I picked up some mint tea bags. I went for Tetley, available from Asda for just £1.56, though supermarket own-brand bags could set you back even less.‌After brewing the tea and removing the tea bag, it felt entirely counterintuitive to be clutching a steaming hot drink on such a sweltering day. Initially, before even taking a sip, it seemed as though I was getting even warmer, and I wasn't best pleased.I decided to drink it before heading out into central Manchester for the evening, hoping it would cool me down sufficiently so I wouldn't sweat all my makeup off while travelling on the tram.‌Tentatively, once it had cooled enough to drink, I took a sip and felt a refreshing, tingly sensation wash through my body. I wasn't entirely convinced until I took another sip, but the menthol feeling genuinely made my body temperature feel considerably cooler.And there's solid science behind it. According to All Recipes: "When you consume mint or mint-flavoured foods or drinks, the menthol interacts with the receptors in your skin and mouth, creating a cooling effect. It triggers the cold-sensitive receptors, which can make you feel cooler even though the actual temperature of your body remains the same."Nutritionist and wellness coach Simone Thomas also noted: "Easy to grow in the garden or in pots, and cheap to pick up in the supermarket, peppermint is the perfect pick-me-up and offers a natural way to cool down as the herb's menthol stimulates your body's cooling receptors."‌When it comes to deciding between a hot or cold brew, Simone said she "prefers it cool when it's warm outside as it's so refreshing." It's reassuring to discover that enjoying mint tea cold still delivers benefits during sweltering weather.As it turns out, mint tea boasts a wealth of health benefits beyond simply making you feel cooler and calmer. According to BBC Good Food, it can aid digestion, is caffeine-free, may improve your sleep, leaves your breath smelling fresher, and can even help relieve a blocked nose.So impressed was I by how mint tea made my body feel that I decided to have a cup before heading to bed. Combined with a good book, the tea left me feeling thoroughly ready for sleep — and considerably less overheated before drifting off.Article continues belowWhatever the weather, I feel I've discovered a new bedtime ritual — and a brilliant heatwave remedy.Fancy giving peppermint tea a go this evening to cool down? Let us know in the comments...