Sipping Streams Tea Recipe

Combine dried herbs

In a small bowl, gently mix the chamomile, lemon balm, peppermint, lavender, rose petals, and lemon peel until evenly distributed. This is your Sipping Streams tea blend. If you prefer a finer texture for quicker infusion, lightly crush the mixture with the back of a spoon or in a mortar and pestle for 5–10 seconds.

If storing unused blend: transfer to an airtight container away from light and heat for up to 2 weeks (best used fresh). Label with date and ingredients.

Heat water

Bring 4 cups (about 1 L) of fresh filtered water to a gentle boil, then remove from heat and let sit 1 minute. Target temperature for delicate herbs is about 90–95°C (195–205°F).

Steep the tea

Place the prepared blend into a teapot or heatproof pitcher. Use the full blend (all measured ingredients) for 4 cups of tea. Pour the hot water over the herbs. Cover and steep for 6–8 minutes for a balanced, calming cup. For a sweeter, stronger flavor, steep up to 10 minutes; for a lighter cup, steep 4–5 minutes.

Strain

Strain the tea through a fine-mesh strainer or tea infuser into cups or a serving pitcher, pressing lightly on the solids to extract the final drops of flavor. Discard the used herbs or compost them.

Sweeten and finish

Taste and add honey or maple syrup (start with 1–2 teaspoons per 4-cup batch) if desired. Add a lemon slice to each cup for brightness, or stir in a splash of fresh lemon juice to taste (about 1/2 tsp per cup).

Iced version (optional)

To make iced Sipping Streams tea: allow the brewed tea to cool to room temperature, then pour over a pitcher filled with 1 cup of ice. Chill in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes. Serve over more ice and garnish with additional lemon slices or a sprig of fresh mint.

Storage: Refrigerate any leftover brewed tea in a covered container for up to 48 hours. Reheat gently (do not boil) for a warm cup, or serve cold.