Forest Berry Iced Tea

 

Serves: 4
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Brewing and Cooling Time: 1 hour

Ingredients:

• 4 cups of water
• 4-6 tea bags (herbal or green tea works best)
• 1 cup of mixed forest berries (fresh or frozen) – such as raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries
• Honey or sugar to taste (optional)
• Ice cubes or crushed ice
• Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
• Lemon slices for garnish (optional)

Equipment:

• Large pot or kettle for boiling water
• Pitcher or large jar
• Spoon or muddler
• Strainer (if using loose tea or to remove berries)

Instructions:

1. Boil Water: Begin by boiling 4 cups of water in your pot or kettle. Once boiling, remove from the heat.
2. Steep the Tea: Add the tea bags to the hot water. Let them steep for 3-5 minutes if you're using green tea or 5-7 minutes for herbal teas. Adjust the time depending on how strong you like your tea.
3. Prepare the Berries: While the tea is steeping, place the mixed berries in your pitcher or jar. Use a spoon or muddler to gently crush the berries to release their juices and flavors.
4. Combine: Remove the tea bags from the water and pour the hot tea over the crushed berries. Stir in honey or sugar to your desired sweetness while the tea is still warm, making sure it dissolves completely.
5. Cool: Allow the berry-infused tea to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until thoroughly chilled, about 1 hour.
6. Serve: Strain the tea to remove the berries and any tea leaves if necessary. Fill glasses with ice cubes or crushed ice. Pour the chilled berry tea over the ice. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and lemon slices if desired.
7. Enjoy: Refresh yourself with this aromatic and refreshing Forest Berry Iced Tea, perfect for savoring the tastes of nature while you relax at your campsite or after a long day of hiking.

Tips for Success:

• If using fresh berries you’ve picked while camping, ensure they are safe to eat and have been properly cleaned.
• For a stronger berry flavor, you can let the berries steep in the hot tea for a longer period before cooling.
• This recipe is versatile; feel free to experiment with different types of tea and berry combinations based on availability and preference.

Enjoying a glass of Forest Berry Iced Tea not only refreshes the body but also connects you with the natural surroundings, making it a perfect drink for any camping adventure.