This unique concoction not only boasts a vibrant flavor profile but also offers a myriad of health benefits, making it the perfect drink for any occasion. The truth being it’s fall, but in Georgia it’s summer and I just needed something that tasted like fall but cooled me off as well. Now back to the recipe.

A Blend of Refreshing and Balancing Flavors

The foundation of this iced tea is Wildberry tea leaves, which provide a rich and fruity base. The addition of blueberries enhances the tea with natural sweetness and a burst of antioxidants. Cardamom seeds, known for their aromatic zest, add a warm, spicy note that beautifully complements the berries. Lastly, a sprig of fresh rosemary introduces an earthy, herbal element that rounds out the flavor profile, creating a refreshing drink that is both complex, grounding and yet very satisfying.

Health Benefits

Not only is this iced tea delicious, but it is also packed with health benefits. Berries are renowned for their high antioxidant content, promoting heart health and improving cognitive function. Cardamom is celebrated in traditional medicine for its potential digestive benefits, so it’s good for your tummy, while rosemary is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to boost memory and concentration. Together, these ingredients create a beverage that not only refreshes but also nourishes the body.

Simple Preparation

Making Wild Berry, Cardamom, and Rosemary Iced Tea is straightforward and requires minimal effort. With just a few ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a delightful drink that will impress your family and friends. The process involves steeping Wildberry tea leaves, cardamom seeds, and rosemary in hot water, followed by straining and sweetening to taste. Allow the tea to chill, and it’s ready to serve over ice with fresh lemon slices for an extra zing and the aromas of rosemary will help bring a bit of calmness to your afternoon. As always remember to Set the Table with Love.

Ingredients:

– 3 teaspoons Wildberry tea leaves

– 1 tablespoon cardamom seeds

– 1 lemon (for juice and slices)

– 1 sprig of fresh rosemary (plus extra for garnish if desired)

– Simple syrup (to taste, approximately 2-4 tablespoons)

– 4 cups of water

Equipment:

– Teapot

– Mason jar (or pitcher)

– Fine mesh strainer or tea strainer

– Measuring cups and spoons

 Instructions:

1. Boil Water:

   – Measure out 4 cups of water and pour it into your teapot.

   – Place the teapot on the stove and bring the water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.

2. Prepare the Mason Jar:

   – While the water is boiling, add 3 teaspoons of Wildberry tea leaves and 1 tablespoon of cardamom seeds to the mason jar.

3. Add Rosemary:

   – Place 1 sprig of fresh rosemary into the mason jar with the tea leaves and cardamom seeds.

4. Pour Hot Water:

   – Once the water is boiling, carefully pour it over the tea leaves, cardamom seeds, and rosemary in the mason jar. Make sure to cover all the ingredients with the hot water.

5. Steep:

   – Cover the mason jar with a lid or a plate and allow the tea to steep for about 5-7 minutes. If you prefer a stronger flavor, you can steep it for an additional minute or two.

6. Strain the Tea:

   – After steeping, use a fine mesh strainer or tea strainer to strain the tea into a separate container, removing the tea leaves, cardamom seeds, and rosemary sprig.

7. Add Lemon:

   – Cut the lemon in half. Squeeze the juice of one half into the strained tea, being careful to avoid seeds. 

   – Slice the other half of the lemon into thin rounds and add the slices to the strained tea for additional flavor and decoration.

8. Sweeten:

   – Start by adding 2 tablespoons of simple syrup to the tea. Stir well to combine. Taste the tea and adjust the sweetness by adding more simple syrup as desired (up to 4 tablespoons total).

9. Chill:

   – Allow the tea to cool to room temperature after straining. Once cooled, place the mason jar in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 1-2 hours.

10. Serve:

    – Once the tea is sufficiently chilled, fill glasses with ice. Pour the iced tea over the ice, ensuring that each glass gets a nice mix of flavors.

    – If desired, garnish each glass with additional lemon slices and a sprig of fresh rosemary for an aromatic touch.

11. Enjoy:

    – Sip and savor your refreshing Blueberry, Cardamom, and Rosemary Iced Tea! This delightful beverage is perfect for warm days or as a unique drink for gatherings.

Tips:

– For added flavor complexity, consider lightly crushing the cardamom seeds before adding them to the mason jar to release more of their essential oils.

– Experiment with different sweeteners, such as honey or agave syrup, for a different taste.

– If you’d like a fruity twist, you can muddle some fresh blueberries in the bottom of the glass before pouring the tea over the ice.