Refreshing Cherry Sage Iced Tea

Savor the delightful blend of tart cherries, fresh sage, and balsamic vinegar in this invigorating Fruit Blast Sage Iced Tea. The perfect balance of sweetness and herbal notes makes this a refreshing choice for any occasion.

Ingredients

For the tea
2	cups water
2	cups chopped rhubarb
1	cup pitted red tart cherries (may use thawed-frozen, fresh, or canned)
1	cup packed fresh sage leaf (can use blossoms)
4	bags small tea bags (I like Luzianne)
1	tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 1⁄2	cup honey (more or less, to taste)
	lemon slice (optional)

Instructions

• For the tea

  1. Begin by placing 2 cups of water, chopped rhubarb, and pitted red tart cherries in a saucepan and bring to a gentle boil.
  2. Cover the pan, reduce the heat, and let the mixture simmer for 30 minutes.
  3. Once done, strain the mixture through a sieve, ensuring to press the fruit to extract the pulp. Discard the pressed fruit pulp.
  4. Return the strained mixture to the saucepan and heat until it just starts to boil.
  5. Add the tea bags, fresh sage, and balsamic vinegar, allowing it to steep away from heat, covered, for 6-8 minutes.
  6. Strain the mixture again, removing the sage and tea bags.
  7. Once slightly cooled, place 5 cups of cold water into a pitcher and add the tea.
  8. Stir in 1/2 cup of honey (adjust to taste), ensuring it dissolves completely.
  9. Serve the tea over ice, garnished with a lemon slice if desired.

Aug 18, 2024