As the weather warms up enjoy a refreshing drink that gives your body a nutrient boost. I enjoy these Herbal Spritzers in the morning, afternoon and night. They make a great celebratory drink if you’re cutting down on the booze too.
Step 1
Make REALLY strong tea. Infuse herbs like they are on their way to become syrup. I have had success slow cooking my herbs for 4 hours or you can simmer them on the stove for 1-2 hours. Simmering the herbs on the stove will make a more concentrated brew because some of the water will evaporate.
My general ratio is 1 cup of dried herbs with 4 cups of water.
What herbs do I use?
I have really enjoyed making an elderberry-immune concoction using elderberries, schisandra berries, reishi mushroom, marshmallow root, licorice, fresh ginger, and cinnamon. But the world is your oyster!
Check out my elderberry syrup and adaptogenic root beer recipes for some inspiration.
The best herbs to slow cook and simmer are roots and barks and berries. If you are using all flowers and leaves, I would cut the brewing time in half.
Step 2
Let your herbal mixture cool to room temperature. Strain the liquid into a jar using a mesh strainer. If you used berries, make sure to use the back of the spoon to squish all the juice out. Compost the used herbs.
Add 1/4- 1/3 cup honey and shake jar vigorously to dissolve. I use much less than I would if I was making a syrup. Note that this will make your ice cubes a little sticky. You can choose to not use honey if you want an unsweetened version or try another form of sweetener.
I also add a splash of apple cider vinegar for preservation.
Step 3
Pour your herbal infusion into an ice cube tray. Once completely frozen transfer to another airtight container for storage. I usually do a few rounds of this since I only have one ice cube tray.
I found the best results with a silicone mold where I can push the herbal cubes out.
Step 4
Serve! Mix one herbal ice cube with 6 oz of carbonated water for a simple herbal spritzer.
Some of my other favorite additions are:
- lemon juice
- lime juice
- cranberry juice
- beet juice
- pomegranate juice
- coconut water
I just use a splash of these to not dilute my carbonated water too much.
BONUS: I also freeze my favorite juices (100% organic unsweetened cranberry and pomegranate) into ice cubes and use them in spritzer beverages as well.
Some of my favorite places to purchase bulk herbs are Mountain Rose Herbs, Starwest Botanicals. and Lhasa Karnak.
