Tractor Certified Organic Beverage Recipe

Boil water and steep tea

Bring 4 cups water to a rolling boil. Remove from heat and add the organic black tea (bags or 4 tsp loose). Cover and steep for 5 minutes for full flavor, or 3–4 minutes for a lighter brew. After steeping, remove tea bags or strain out loose leaves and return the brewed tea to the pot.

Allow the brewed tea to cool slightly (about 10 minutes) while you prepare the infusion ingredients so they don't be scorched by boiling liquid.

Prepare botanicals

Lightly bruise the mint leaves and lemon verbena/leaf by gently rolling or tearing them to release essential oils. Grate 1 tablespoon fresh ginger and have 1 teaspoon dried chamomile ready.

Infuse into warm tea

Add the bruised mint, lemon verbena (if using), grated ginger, and dried chamomile into the warm (not boiling) brewed tea. Cover and let steep for an additional 10 minutes to allow the herbal flavors to meld. Taste after 10 minutes and adjust steep time up to 15 minutes if a stronger herbal presence is desired.

Strain the tea through a fine mesh sieve into a clean pitcher, pressing gently on solids to extract flavors, then discard solids.

Sweeten and add brightness

While the tea is still warm (but not hot), stir in 3 tablespoons organic raw honey (or 3 tablespoons organic cane syrup) until fully dissolved. Add 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice and 1 cup organic apple cider if using, and stir to combine. Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity: add up to 1 tablespoon more honey or 1 tablespoon more lemon juice to balance.

Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature (about 20–30 minutes), then chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes for a cold beverage. For immediate serving, proceed to the next step with cooled tea and ice.

Assemble and serve

Fill four glasses with ice (about 1/2 cup each). Divide the chilled Tractor Certified Organic Beverage evenly among the glasses. Garnish each glass with a lemon slice and a mint sprig. Optionally, lightly slap the mint sprig between your palms before garnishing to release aroma.

Serve immediately. Leftover beverage can be refrigerated in a covered pitcher for up to 3 days; stir before serving and add fresh ice and garnishes as needed.