DIY Brewing Instructions, by the cup or the pot full
Drink artisan-crafted tea for the bright taste of whole herbs and spices, the unique blend, the high quality ingredients or nothing more the timeless pleasure of enjoying a good cup of tea.
A recent Newsweek article reports research findings on the health benefits of regular tea drinking. Turns out they’re substantial. Whether you drink it for the energy, the antioxidants or the wellness benefits - whatever your goal, it’s time to rethink your drink!
To brew a single serving,
- add 1/2-1 tablespoon of loose-leaf tea into a tea infuser or tightly-woven strainer; place in your mug.
- add enough boiling water to fill you cup 3/4 full. Let steep for 3-5 minutes.
To make 8-10 servings,
- add 1/4 cup of loose leaf chai to your 4-6 cup French press, and pour in enough simmering water to fill it.
- Steep your tea for 5 minutes, and press to enjoy.
Option: pour extra brewed tea into a glass storage container and store in the fridge for up to a week, reheat or serve over ice as needed.
To Make a Hot or Iced CHAI Latte:
Serves 1
Prep time: 3-8 minutes
Chai is made to be coupled with milk, it's an easy 1:3 ratio. You can brew your tea right in your mug then add the milk. Finish by adding your favorite sweetener to taste.
Ingredients:
- ¾ cup of your favorite brewed chai*
- ¼ cup of your favorite plant milk
- ¼ tsp. stevia or 1 tsp. honey
*To brew your chai,
- add 1/2-1 tablespoon of loose-leaf chai into a tea infuser or tightly-woven strainer; place in your mug.
- add enough boiling water to fill your cup to 3/4 full. Let steep for 3-5 minutes.
Enjoy hot or let cool to room temperature and add some ice for a satisfying treat any time of day.
Basic Loose Leaf Tea
Serves 2
Prep time: 5-10 minutes
Some easy tea and herb options:
- Black tea
- Green tea
- Rooibos tea
- Peppermint leaf, dried
- Licorice root, dried*
- Ginger, fresh or dried (use 1 tablespoon dried or 1 tsp. freshly grated)*
- Chamomile*
- Mate*
It’s surprising how much more cost effective it is to brew loose-leaf herbal teas.
The quality of the tea is always higher, and it’s so much more cost effective. I rely on Mountain Rose Herbs for most of my bulk herbal needs, and store my bulk teas and herbs in clean glass mason jars, clearly labeled.
You’ll have more options with loose-leaf teas and herbs too. You can mix and match, adding any of the herbs or roots listed to green tea for a unique blend.
Or get creative and make up your own!
Be sure to have a good tea strainer or better yet, recycled disposable tea filters like those available at TonicandBloom.com. Then all you need is water and you’re ready to enjoy your tea, your way.
- 3 cups filtered water
- 1 rounded tablespoon of your tea or root of choice
- Sweeten with stevia or honey to taste
Add tea to an infuser while bringing the 2 cups of to a boil in saucepan. Add the water and remove from heat. Steep for 2-4 minutes.
Sweeten with a sprinkle of stevia or a drop of honey.
*Both dried root and chamomile tea require longer steeping, 6-8 minutes.
Cacao-licious Craving Crusher
Serves 1
Prep time: 3-8 minutes
When the sugar cravings come calling and you find yourself obsessing over everything chocolate, this spicy-rich treat will save the day. Cinnamon naturally curbs sugar cravings, and the rich cacao combination aces the taste test. Added bonus: this cup contains 1/10th the calories of your average fancy coffee drink, and with less caffeine than a 1/4 cup of green tea.
Ingredients:
- ¾ cup pre-brewed Tonic & Bloom Cacao Chai*
- 1 well rounded tsp. unsweetened cocoa powder, Fair Trade recommended
- ¼ cup of unsweetened soy or oat milk
- ¼ tsp. stevia or 1 tsp. honey
- ¼ tsp. vanilla extract
- Sprinkle of salt
*To brew your chai, add 1/2-1 tablespoon of loose-leaf chai into a tea infuser or tightly-woven strainer; place in your mug. Add enough boiling water to fill your cup to 3/4 full. Let steep for 3-5 minutes.
Stir in remaining ingredients and enjoy hot or chilled over ice.
Berry Blossom Spritzer
Serves 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup filtered water
- 2 tablespoons loose leaf Berry Blossom Tea
- 2 cups ice, one cup for cooling, one for serving
- 4 cups sparkling water
- Juice of 1 lime
- Optional: 2 cups of Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris or your favorite dry white wine
Directions:
To make tea: Heat 1 cup of water just until it comes to a boil.
Scoop 2 tablespoons of dried tea into a tightly meshed tea strainer or infuser.
Place the strainer in a 2-cup measuring cup or Ball jar, and pour hot water over dried tea so water fully covers the herbs.. Let steep for 2-3 minutes.
Pour 1 cup of ice in to cool the tea quickly.
To make the spritzer:
Add ice to a wine glass.
Pour 1/2 cup of tea and 1/2 cup sparkling water into your glass. Spritz with a squeeze of lime (optional pinch of stevia for sweetness) and enjoy!
To make a wine spritzer:
Add ice to a wine glass.
Pour 1/2 cup of white wine, 1/4 cup tea and 1/4 cup sparkling water into your glass. Spritz with a squeeze of lime and enjoy!
Berry Blossom Protein Smoothie
Serves 1
Prep time: 5 minutes
If you’re looking for a mid-morning protein boost, this rich blend of berries and botanicals will do the trick.
Whip it up in a blender in 5 minutes or less, include ½ cup of ice and frozen berries for an extra thick and chilly treat. If you like a bit of green, a cup of raw spinach or kale adds extra fiber and nutrients without changing the flavor. At ½ the sugar of most fruit smoothies, this antioxidant-rich drink weighs in at about 200 calories, yet the protein and fiber keep you satisfied long after the shake is gone.
• 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or silken tofu
• ½ banana
• ½ cup raspberries, blackberries or blueberries, fresh or frozen
• 3/4 cup brewed Berry Blossom tea (room temperature or cooler)
• Stevia to taste
• ½ cup ice (optional)
• 1 cup raw spinach or kale (optional)
Combine all ingredients in your blender, puree on high for 2 minutes, serve immediately and enjoy!
Rise & Shine Immunity Tonic
Serves 2
Prep time: 5 minutes
Apple cider vinegar is a hot topic every time cold and flu season rolls around. People have used it for centuries in cooking and medicine. According to experts, apple cider vinegar has various health properties, including antimicrobial and antioxidant effects.
When combined with antioxidant-rich herbs and berries, such as elderberry and hibiscus flower, you have a powerful antiviral tonic to boost your immunity and keep colds and flu at bay.
• 2 cups filtered water
• 1 rounded teaspoon dried hibiscus flower
• 1 rounded teaspoon dried elderberries, coarsely ground (a spice grinder or even a blender works).
• 2 tbsp. dried or 1 rounded tablespoon freshly grated ginger root
• 2 tbsps. apple cider vinegar, 1 per cup
• Stevia to taste
Place herbs and flowers into a small saucepan. Add 2 cups of water and heat just until it comes to a low boil. Remove from heat and let steep for 6-8 minutes.
Strain with a fine sieve to remove tea leaves and pour into each of 2 small or 1 large cup. Add 1 tablespoon of cider vinegar per cup.
Sweeten with a sprinkle of stevia or a drop of honey.
Mint Mojito Cleansing Tonic
Serves 2
Prep time: 5 minutes
This uplifting tonic is perfect for aiding between-meal digestion. High in health benefits, Green tea has been shown to improve blood flow and lower cholesterol.
Combined with stimulating herbs and a touch of citrus, it’s a great way to boost your energy and uplift your senses.
• 2 cups filtered water
• 1 teaspoon green tea
• 1/2 tbsp. dried or 2 rounded tsps. freshly grated ginger root
• 1 teaspoon dried peppermint leaf
• 2 teaspoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 per cup
Place herbs into a small saucepan. Add 2 cups of water and heat just until it comes to a low boil. Remove from heat and let steep for 6-8 minutes.
Strain with a fine sieve and pour into each of 2 small or 1 large cup.
Add 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar per cup and 1 teaspoon of lime juice per cup.
Sweeten with a sprinkle of stevia or a drop of honey.
Simple Ginger Tonic
Serves 2
Prep time: 5 minutes
Ginger root has been used in both food and in medicine since ancient times. It is a popular home remedy for stomach pain or nausea. Loaded with antioxidants and other nutrients, ginger may help prevent or reduce arthritis and inflammation.
It’s easy to make tea with fresh ginger and the addition of apple cider vinegar creates an antiviral tonic to boost your immunity and aid digestion.
• 2 cups filtered water
• 2 tablespoons dried or 1 rounded tablespoon freshly grated ginger root
• 2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 per cup
• Sweeten with stevia or honey to taste
Place ginger into a small saucepan. Add 2 cups of water and heat just until it comes to a low boil. Remove from heat and pour hot water over the ginger and let simmer for up to 5 minutes.
Strain with a fine sieve to remove ginger and pour into each of 2 small or 1 large cup. Add 1 tablespoon of cider vinegar per cup.
Sweeten with a sprinkle of stevia or a drop of honey.
Green Tea Mint Julep
Serves 4
Prep time: 10 minutes to mix and boil, 30 minutes to cool
A lovely fancy tea to enjoy on a warm afternoon or to share over lunch with friends. This is a shortcut version of the classic mint julep, a Southern-inspired cocktail made with bourbon, sugar, water, crushed or shaved ice and fresh mint, which requires muddling. Dried peppermint leaf, green tea and fresh lemon take center stage in this refreshing drink. This one is alcohol free, but you can add your own unique twist.
- 4 cups filtered water
- 2 tablespoons loose leaf green tea
- 2 teaspoons dried peppermint leaf
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1-2 tablespoons raw sugar or ½ tsp. stevia
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- Sliced lemon or fresh mint for garnish, optional
Place tea and peppermint into a saucepan. Add 4 cups of water just until it comes to a boil then remove from heat. Let steep for 1 minute longer then strain with a fine sieve and pour into each a large, heatproof pitcher or mason jar.
Add honey, sugar and lemon juice and let the tea cool at room temperature or refrigerate until chilled. Add ice, garnish and serve.
Hibiscus Sun Tea
Serves 6-8
Prep time: 10-15 minutes for quick steep, otherwise 6-8 hours
The dried crimson leaves of the hibiscus plant make a wonderfully tart and delicious tea. The health benefits of this drink have been celebrated for centuries in cultures all around the world.
With studies linking the acids contained in hibiscus to lower blood pressure, this healing plant also contains phytochemicals like quercetin, shown to reduce inflammation and support kidney health, and antioxidants known to reduce the effects of aging*.
This simple Hibiscus Sun Tea is perfect for overnight steeping, no heat required. It’s a beautiful thing to wake up to, with lots to spare for all day enjoyment.
- 8 cups filtered water
- 1/2 cup hibiscus tea leaves
- 1/4 cup dried peppermint leaf
- Juice of 1 lemon or lime
- 1-2 teaspoons of stevia (to taste)
For stovetop: Add hibiscus and peppermint leaf to a tea infuser. Heat water until it reaches the point of simmering. Remove from the heat and drop in your tea strainer to steep the hibiscus and peppermint leaf for 6-8 minutes while it cools.
Remove the strainer and continue cooling until it reaches room temperature.
Overnight or sun tea method: Pour the water into a mason jar or pitcher, add tea leaves. Leave water and tea mixture covered in a sunny spot if possible for 6-8 hours.
Once your tea leaf is infused, strain with a fine sieve to remove tea leaves. Add remaining ingredients and serve iced or hot.
May be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
*While hibiscus tea is completely safe for most people, if you’re currently using prescription medications, be sure to check with your doctor before enjoying too much of this potent tea.
Roasted Root Beer Tea
Serves 2
Prep time: 5 minutes
Don’t let the sweetness fool you, the only decadent part of this delicious drink is the taste. It’s loaded with antioxidants and magnesium. Cacao is the raw (and healthy) form of chocolate known to contribute to cardiovascular health. Ginger, licorice root and cinnamon help to support digestion, and balance blood sugar levels. A touch of sarsaparilla gives this tea the classic root beer twist.
- 3 cups filtered water
- 1 rounded teaspoon cocoa nibs
- 1 rounded teaspoon cinnamon chips
- 1 teaspoon dried sarsaparilla root
- 1 rounded teaspoon dried licorice root
- 2 teaspoons freshly grated or 2 tablespoons dried ginger
- 2 star anise pods
- Stevia to taste
Place herbs into a small saucepan. Add 2 cups of water just until it comes to a boil then remove from heat. Let steep for 2-3 minutes per cup.
Strain with a fine sieve and pour into each of 2 small or 1 large cup.
Sweeten with a sprinkle of stevia or a drop of honey, serve hot or chilled over ice.
Spice House Chai
Serves 5
Prep time: 10 minutes
This festive blend is delicious any time of year, but the warming and immunity building elements make it a perfect cool weather tea. It contains plenty of ginger, licorice root and cinnamon help to support digestion, and balance blood sugar levels.
The Portland tea culture inspired the twist on the traditional chai spice mix steeped into a rich and satisfying brew.
- 8 cups filtered water
- ¼ cup cinnamon chips
- ¼ cup black tea
- 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons dried ginger
- 3 tablespoons clove
- 1 tablespoon green cardamom pods, crushed in a spice grinder or blender
- 1 tablespoon chicory
- 1 tablespoon licorice root
- 1 tablespoon orange peel
- 1 tablespoon cacao nibs
- ½ teaspoon stevia
- 2 cups soy or oat milk
Place all ingredients except sweetener in a large saucepan and slowly bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a medium-low and simmer for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove from heat. Strain with a fine sieve to remove tea leaves, then pour into cups.
Sweeten to taste and serve.
Turmeric Chai
Serves 5
Prep time: 15 minutes
This unique play on the classic chai mix has a rooty turmeric flavor and spicy cayenne bite. Earthy and aromatic, turmeric roots contains curcumin, a compound with powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Perfect for those clearing the sinuses on a cold weather morning, with a warming boost of herbal energy to help you start your day.
- 8 cups filtered water
- ¼ cup cinnamon chips
- 2 teaspoons freshly grated or 2 tablespoons dried ginger
- 2 teaspoons freshly grated or 2 tablespoons turmeric root
- 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon clove
- 1 tablespoon green cardamom pods
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ tsp. dried cayenne pepper flakes
- 2 cups soy or oat milk
- Stevia or honey to taste
Place all ingredients except sweetener in a large saucepan and slowly bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a medium-low and simmer for an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Strain with a fine sieve to remove tea leaves, then pour into cups.
Sweeten to taste and serve.
Rooibos Chai
Serves 2
Prep time: 10 minutes
This red tea version of the classic chai recipe has a smooth, aromatic and slightly sweet taste without the caffeine. Contains all of the herbs and spices associated with heart health, reduced blood sugar levels, better digestion and weight loss.
For a satisfying after dinner treat, add some rich oat milk (like barista’s blend) and sweeten with some stevia to crush any late night cravings that may otherwise lead you astray.
- 4 cups filtered water
- 1 cup of your favorite soy or oat milk
- 2 tablespoons rooibos tea
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated or 1 tablespoon dried ginger
- 2 teaspoons whole cardamom pods
- 1 tablespoon fennel seeds
- 1 cinnamon stick or 1 tablespoon cinnamon chips
- ½ teaspoon whole cloves
- ½ teaspoon whole black peppercorns
- Sweetener of choice
Place all ingredients except sweetener in a large saucepan and slowly bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a medium-low and simmer for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Strain with a fine sieve to remove tea leaves, then pour into 4 small or 2 large cups. Sweeten to taste and serve.