Description
This cooling summer tisane is herbal and refreshing with a hint of spice. Lemongrass, mint, and fennel seeds form the basis of this herbal tea blend while green cardamom and ginger root add a hint of spice. Sip on this vegan and gluten free herbal tea blend when you need help cooling off in the summer months!
Ingredients
- 3 stalks lemongrass, sliced into rounds
- 1 1/2 teaspoons whole green cardamom pods, about 18-20
- 1/2 teaspoon whole fennel seeds
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, loosely packed
- 1 tablespoon fresh lavender leaves, optional
- 2-inch piece ginger root, sliced into thin coins
Instructions
With a mortar and pestle (or the butt end of a chef’s knife and a bowl or cutting board), gently bruise/crush the lemongrass, cardamom, and fennel seeds. Add them to a clean quart-sized jar along with the remaining ingredients. Pour just enough hot water (not boiling water) in the jar to cover the herbs and spices. Let the mixture steep for 3-5 minutes, then fill the remaining space in the jar with cool water. Cover, then park the jar in the fridge to steep for at least 4 hours.
After 4 hours, strain the tisane. Keep the tisane in a clean bottle or jar in the fridge and enjoy within a week.
Makes about 3 1/2 cups or 2-3 servings.
Notes
- Mint and lemongrass favor heavily here as I have a lot of each growing in my backyard. If you don’t have access to fresh versions of either of these, feel free to use dried ones.
- Though I recommend steeping the infusion for 4 hours in the recipe, the longer it steeps, the more the flavors will intensify. You can check the flavor every hour if you like and strain it once it gets to your liking.
- If you can’t find lavender leaves, a tsp of dried lavender buds will work just fine. Or, omit it if you like.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Steeping Time: 4 hours
- Category: drink