How to Make Instant Iced Tea Cubes using Herbs from MaMa Jean's
Ingredients
- 1 – 1 1/2 cup herbs of choice
- 2 – 2 1/2 cups clean filtered water
Directions
- Fill a large jar with herb(s) of choice and label.
- Heat water until it is just before a boil, about 180-200°F.
- Pour hot water over herbs and place lid on.
- Let sit on the counter for 8-12 hours.
- Strain, being sure to press all liquid from the botanicals.
- Pour into ice cube trays, and label if making more than one at a time.
- Freeze completely and transfer to a storage container labeled with the herb(s) used and date made.
To Use:
Add 2-4 ice cubes to an 8-ounce glass and top with fresh, filtered water. You can adjust this ratio to suit your flavor preferences.
Pro Tips:
- For a fun twist, add freshly picked edible flowers or leaves to the cubes.
- The amount of botanicals you infuse will vary by the type of herbs. Chamomile and hibiscus flowers, for example, swell quite a bit as they absorb water, so you will want to use about a cup. Herbs like nettles and alfalfa don’t expand as much so you’ll need a larger volume of those ingredients.
- Keep in mind you are making an herbal concentrate so that it will be strong enough when added to a larger volume of water. That is to say, don’t skimp on the herbs or you’ll wind up with a very weak drink.
- Rather than composting right away, I make a second infusion with the “spent” herbs. Simply put the used herbs in a pan, cover completely with water, heat, and enjoy. If you won’t be drinking it right away, place herbs in a large glass jar, cover with water, and leave to cold brew in the refrigerator for later. Use within one or two days.
- Some herbs should not be taken daily or over long periods of time. It's important to know your herbs and to change up your herbal combinations. This will also add more diversity to your diet.
