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Chilled Herb Tisanes

June 5, 2013  |  herbs, recipes
Chilled Herb Tisanes

A tisane is basically a tea made with herbs instead of tea leaves.  Often used medicinally, they are also just tasty and refreshing!  This time of year, a chilled tisane over ice can be a great treat and a way to use the bounty of herbs from your garden.

To make a simple tisane, pour four cups of boiling water over 6 sprigs of lemon verbena and 6 sprigs of lavender leaves (not buds).  Add a leaf or two of stevia for sweetness if you like.  Allow to steep for 15 minutes, then strain into a jar or pitcher and allow to cool; once cool, refrigerate until thoroughly chilled and serve over ice with additional leaves for garnish if you wish.

Try this technique with any herbs that interest you: any of the mints, stinging nettles, rosemary, thyme, chamomile, rose petals, lemongrass, cinnamon, ginger.  Lavender leaves are less pungent than the buds and will taste less "perfumy".  Fresh berries can add a nice flavor, too.