RED HIBISCUS APPLE COOLER

North American, from California

This delicious cooler blends herbal tea and fruit juice and is very thirst-quenching in warmer weather.   With its bright flavors and red color, it is great as a party punch, with fruit or flowers mixed in.  The spices aid digestion, so the coolness of the fruit doesn't weaken the digestive fire.  They can be found in natural foods stores or ordered online.  Store unused spice blend in a jar for future use.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 ounce (30g) red clover (about 2 cups)
• 3 ounces (90 g) hibiscus flowers (about 2 1/2 cups)
• 1/3 ounce (24 g) cinnamon sticks, broken up (about 4 sticks)
• 6 whole cloves
• 4 cups (1 L) water
• 1 cup (250 ml) apple juice
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Lime, apple or orange slices (optional)

METHOD

• Mix red clover, hibiscus flowers, cinnamon sticks, and cloves together in a medium bowl.

MIND REFRESHER

Stand straight, breathe normally, and concentrate on the aroma of the spices for 30 seconds.

• In a saucepan, bring 4 cups (1 L) water to a boil over high heat.
• Turn off heat, stir in 1 ounce (30g) (about 1 cup) herbal blend, cover, and steep 20 minutes.
• Strain and then stir in apple juice and honey.  Refrigerate.
• Garnish with fruit slices just before serving.

Makes 1 quart ( 1 L)

PARTY SIZE COOLER

Bring 1 gallon (4 L) of water to a boil; turn off heat, add 3 ounces (90 g) (about 3 cups) hibiscus cooler herbal blend, and steep 20 minutes.  Strain and then stir in 1 quart (1 L) apple juice and 1 tablespoon honey.  Refrigerate.  Garnish with fruit slices just before serving.

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HERBAL INFUSIONS

Universal

Herbal teas (tisanes) make nice alternatives to black and green teas.  Not only are they enjoyable to drink , but they also have medicinal properties.  Their tastes cover all the flavor bases-bitter, sweet, spicy, sour, and salty--and they can be cooking or warming to the system; those are some of the qualities one would consider when making a formula for therapeutic purposes.  While the medicinal uses of herbal teas are beyond the scope here, by choosing to drink herbal teas for pleasure you will also be giving your body the benefits of those herbs.  It's fun to grow your own, drying them, and storing them in brown paper bags to have available for teas throughout the year.  They can also be used to flavor black or green tea.  Try mint, nettles, comfrey, lemon balm, anise, sage or rose. 

INGREDIENTS

• 2 1/2 cups (600 ml) water
• 1 rounded tablespoon or 1 handful of herbs

METHOD

• Warm a teapot by filling it with hot water and letting it stand.
• Bring 2 1/2 cups (600 ml) water to a boil over high heat..
• Discard water from teapot and place herbs inside.
• Pour boiling water into teapot.
• Let stand before serving. Steeping time varies according to particular herbal mix.  For most mixes, try 10 minutes; next time increase or decrease to your taste.  Mint takes 5 minutes.

MIND REFRESHER

Serve with the motivation to bring others happiness.

Makes 2 cups (550 ml)

TWO HERB TEA BLENDS

• Thyme and a little hyssop
• Rosemary and lavender
• Clove and a little chamomile
• Marjoram and mint
• Chamomile and hibiscus flowers
• Elderflower and peppermint
• Nettles and mint
• Lemon balm and lavender
• Rosemary and hibiscus flowers
• Sage with lemon verbena
• Yarrow and peppermint
• Basil and lemon verbena

SANGRIA

Spanish

Sangria is a festive Spanish drink made with red wine and fruit that has marinated overnight.  In Spain it is served with tapas or before a paella meal.  For a refreshing summer cooler, this drink can be made with white wine.  Add different fruits in season, such as peaches, strawberries, kiwis, and apples, with mint leaves as a final touch.

INGREDIENTS

• 4 cups (1 L) dry red wine
• 1/4-1/2 cup (55-112g) sugar or to taste
• 1 orange, with rind, sliced
• 1 lemon, with rind, sliced
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) vodka (optional)
• 2 cups (500 ml) carbonated water
• ice cubes

METHOD

MIND REFRESHER

Stand straight, breathe normally, and watch your mind as distractions arise.

• Mix together wine, sugar, orange slices, lemon slices, and vodka in a large mixing bowl.
• Cover bowl and refrigerate overnight. 
• Stir in carbonated water and ice cubes.  Serve in tall glasses with fruit.

Serves 6-8