Slay Summer with this TasTEA Mix

Beyoncé dropped her newest album Lemonade on April 23, and I’ve had it on repeat ever since. When I first saw the visual album on HBO, it blew me away. Through her album, Queen Bey tells the story of love lost, scorned, and forgiven. It’s a fabulous tribute to the legacy of black women in America as well women everywhere struggling with relationships and embracing friendships.

Image credit: The Odyssey Online

You’ve undoubtedly jammed out to the hit single “Formation”, but the entire album is fantastic and definitely worth downloading (especially now that it’s on iTunes). I especially recommend watching the “Lemonade Film” (included in the digital album download) and taking in the dramatic cinematography, amazing costuming, and surprising celeb appearances. My favorite tracks are “Hold Up” and “Sorry”, both of which call out the man who did her wrong (dare we speculate Jay-Z?) while exuding unapologetic confidence and lyrics perfect for belting with besties or running errands around town solo (with the windows up and AC blasting, of course!).

Obviously the only thing better than Bey on a sunny summer day is pairing her hot album with an ice-cold beverage. Now that it’s officially summer (even though we’ve been rocking shorts, tanks, and temps well over 110 for the past month here in AZ), iced drinks are our favorite way to get our tea fix. Iced Manhattan Black has always been the perfect accessory for sitting poolside or trying out a new brunch spot; now, mix that rich black tea with some sweet lemonade and enjoy a drink perfect no matter what mood or relationship status you’re rockin’.

We’ve definitely got you covered with the tea: simply brew a couple Manhattan Black shots in your Moka Pot or as a pour-over on ice. Since we haven’t (yet) mastered the art of lemonade brewing, I’ll turn once again to the Queen herself who shares her family lemonade recipe in the “Redemption” section of the Lemonade Film:

“Take one pint of water, add a half-pound of sugar, the juice of 8 lemons, and the zest of half of a lemon. Pour the water from one jug into the other several times, strain through a clean napkin.”

As the temps creep up: brew yourself some Manhattan Black, mix it in with some of Bey’s (now) famous lemonade, and get your ladies in formation, as you dance the summer away.

Have you tried this Arnold Palmer recipe? Have a favorite mixed drink of your own? Comment below with your faves!