Drink: Loose Leaf Teas

It's Tea Time

Recipes by Lifestyle Staff | Photos by Topograph

Disclaimer: If you’re using dried herbs, be safe and research any side effects or warnings prior to blending.

Similar to coffee, brewing a cup of aromatic loose-leaf tea can awaken and stimulate your taste buds. Balance is the key to a satisfying blend, so it’s important to get your base (main flavor), middle and top notes (complementing flavors) to work together. Custom blending gives you creative control for a flavor that matches your needs and preferences. Ready to start your steeping? Gather the following first:

• Loose leaf tea

• Tea bag or infuser

• Kettle or small pot

• Storage containers for custom blends (optional)

• Honey or sweetener (optional)

Directions

To Mix

1. Combine all ingredients together per proportions, adjusting the recipe to your needs. 2. Store the herbal tea in an air-tight, sealed container.

To Make

1. Add 1-2 tablespoons of the mixture into a tea bag or strainer. Add 8-12 ounces of boiling water and let steep before straining.

Pick Me Up

Equal parts:

… Peppermint

… Cacao nibs

… Dried coconut

… Cinnamon to taste

… Oat milk or creamer of choice (optional)

Immunity Booster

… 4 parts dried rosehips

… 2 parts dried elderberry

… 2 parts chopped echinacea root

… 1 part cinnamon chips

… 1 part dried sage

Good Night’s Rest

Equal parts:

… Stinging nettle, dried, cut, and sifted

… Dried chamomile flowers

… Peppermint leaves, dried, cut, and sifted

… Dried rose petals

Stress Less

… 2 teaspoons dried holy basil

… 1 teaspoon dried lemon balm

… 1 teaspoon dried chamomile

… 1/2 teaspoon dried lavender

… 1/2 teaspoon dried eleuthero root

Take Note

1. Different varieties of tea can require different water temperatures.

2. Some teas have a stronger flavor than others so steeping too long can result in a more bitter flavor.