One of my favorite autumn teas has always been Russian tea. My mom would often stir up her “instant” mix when the leaves started changing colors and the air started getting nippy.
One thing I have discovered is that old traditions don’t like new diets very well. Last year we made radical changes in our food habits to help our daughter’s health challenges. Among other things, refined sugar and anything artificial were out. And along with that, out went the instant Russian tea.
This fall a friend told me about her homemade cold and flu remedy. I tried it out and was pleasantly surprised to find it reminiscent of Russian Tea. I tweaked the recipe and am thrilled to have Russian tea back again. Except, maybe even better. Certainly healthier!
One great thing about this recipe is the ease of hiding medicinal teas under the strong spice and citrus cover. The dandelion/nettle tea my children gagged over suddenly was palatable. No one even knew!
Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turns out for you and what kind of healthy twist you try!
- 10 C. water
- 6 mint, or other herbal tea bags
- 2 T. whole cloves
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 1 half inch piece of fresh ginger, chopped
- juice of two lemons
- juice of one orange
Heat water just to boiling. Turn off and add remaining ingredients. Let steep 20 minutes, strain through a fine strainer and serve with the sweetener of your preference.
Options:
~Use loose leaf herbal tea if desired. We like it with raspberry leaf, licorice root, etc.
~If you don't have cinnamon sticks, use 2 T. ground cinnamon
~Try adding in turmeric
~This tea tastes best fairly sweet. We like honey for a sweetener, but feel free to try your favorite sweetener.
http://www.togetherfortea.com/uncategorized/972/read my recipe disclaimer here.
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