Recipe
Ingredients
- 5 ¼ cups water (divided use)
- 4 flavored hibiscus tea bags (see note)
- ¼ cup honey (preferably local)
- 4 inch lemongrass (finely chopped)
- 2 small cinnamon sticks
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice
- Ice (to serve)
- Fresh lemon slices (optional)
- Sprigs of fresh mint (optional)
Instructions
- Bring four cups water to a bowl in a teapot or saucepan. Remove from heat and add tea bags. Allow tea bags to steep for several minutes.
- Prepare infused simple syrup: combine ¼ cup water, honey, lemongrass, and cinnamon sticks in a small saucepan and place over medium heat. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until mixture starts to thicken, about 4-5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and pour through a fine mesh strainer to separate the solids from the liquid. Discard solids and set the remaining simple syrup aside to cool.
- Combine the brewed tea, lemon juice, and remaining cup of water in a large pitcher. Add infused simple syrup, to taste, and stir to combine.
- To serve, fill chilled glasses with ice then add the sweetened tea mixture. Add garnish (optional) and serve.
Notes
Suggestions for hibiscus tea: