HOW TO MAKE TEA
The prefect cup every time!

INFUSION/TISANE:
* Usually the aerial part of plant (flowers, leaves & stem)

1. Start with fresh cold water
2. Put water into pot or kettle; should not be aluminum
3. Bring the water to a rolling boil -that's the first two bubbles that break the surface
4. Remove pot from heat source
5. Pour water over herb(s) [usually 1 teaspoon to 1 cup water]
6. Cover; let steep as long as necessary
7. Strain herbs out. Drink & enjoy!

DECOCTION:
*Usually roots, barks & seeds

1. Put herb(s) in pot [usually 1 teaspoon to 1 cup water]
2. Pour cold water into pot; should not be aluminum
3. Bring the water to a rolling boil -that's the first two bubbles that break the surface
4. Either turn off or lower heat
5. If turned off heat, cover & let steep for as long as necessary; if lowered heat, cover & let simmer for as long as necessary
6. Strain herbs out. Drink & enjoy!

CORDIAL BASICS

BASIC LIQUEUR RECIPE #1:
best suited for herbal blends

• soak 1 oz of herb(s) in 1 pint alcohol of choice for 5 days
• pour off liquid, strain and filter - retain liquid in a air-tight jar
• soak the remaining alcohol-drenched herb in 1/2 pint of spring water for 5 days
• pour off liquid and strain as before
• heat water extract to 160ºF and add 1/2 cup of honey; stir until dissolved
• take pan off stove and combine the alcohol extract to water/honey in a jar; let stand for 1 month
• a sediment will form as the mixture clarifies - siphon off the clear liquid (sediment is NOT harmful)

BASIC LIQUEUR RECIPE #2:
best suited for fruity blends

• rinse fruit (just before using), place in bowl - lightly crush to release juice and flavor
• add alcohol and other seasonings; stir and store in air-tight wide-mouth bottle and place in a dark place for 3 weeks.
• strain mixture well through strainer (make sure you remove all seeds and pulp)
• pour back into bottle, adding sugar syrup* (cool) and age for another 3 - 5 weeks.

* SIMPLE SYRUP:

• Combine equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan.
• Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves. Don't boil the mixture for a long period of time
• Once the mixture is clear, remove from the heat.

As with any alcohol, please use responsibly.

DAMIANA CORDIAL

• Soak 1 ounce of damiana leaves in 1-pint vodka for 5 days.
• Pour off liquid, strain & filter thru conical coffee filter paper (retain liquid in air tight jar).
• Soak the remaining alcohol-drenched leaves in 1/2 pint of spring water for another 5 days.
• Pour off liquid and strain as before.
• Heat water extract to 160º F and add 1/2 cup of honey.
• Combine the alcohol extract to water/honey mixture in a jar and let stand for one month.
• A sediment will form as the mixture clarifies- siphon off the clear liquid (sediment is NOT harmful).
• Take 1 - 2 glasses of the beverage at night for the best results.

As with any alcohol, please use responsibly.

HERBAL CHAI TEA

• 2 parts cinnamon, fennel, ginger, 1 part cloves, star anise pods, corriander, licorice and cardamom pods
• 1/4 part black peppercorns
• PART? It's a ratio, so be consistent - stick with either weight or volume. If you choose 1 oz as a part than 2 parts = 2 oz
• Store herb blend in a glass jar!

Brewing Instructions:
SIMPLE APPROACH

• 1-teaspoon herb blend to 1-cup water
• put herbs in pan, add water
• bring to rolling boil
• lower heat and cover
• simmer for 15 minutes
• strain and drink

DOUG'S FAVORITE

• 5 cups water
• 5 teaspoons herb blend
• 1-tablespoon fresh grated ginger
• 3 strips lemon peel
• follow directions above and add
• 1 - 2 cups soy or dairy milk
• a couple DROPS of rosewater
• honey or other sweetener to taste
• Serve immediately while hot

LAVENDER LEMONADE
A delightful drink!

• Purchase a frozen can of lemonade concentrate (found in the freezer section).
• Brew a pot of lavender* tea (1/4 cup flowers to 1 quart of water).
• Follow the directions on the lemonade, but in place of the water use the lavender tea.
• For fun make your ice cubes with edible flowers inside; when they melt the flowers will pop to the top. Or if using a punch bowl make an edible flower ice ring. Or instead of using water for the ice, use herbal tea!

* You can substitute other herbs, like peppermint, spearmint or hibiscus.