Elderberry Downes Recipe
Elderberry Tea
A warm, comforting elderberry tea made with prepared dried elderberries, cinnamon, cloves, lemon, and honey. A cozy drink for cool mornings, quiet evenings, or whenever you want something soothing.
A Quick Note Before You Start
Elderberries are traditionally cooked or processed before use. This tea recipe simmers prepared dried elderberries before straining, creating a warm and flavourful drink.
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon prepared dried elderberries
- 1 cinnamon stick or 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 whole cloves
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Honey, to taste
- Optional: small slice of fresh ginger
- Optional: lemon slice for serving
Instructions
- Add the water, prepared dried elderberries, cinnamon, cloves, and optional ginger to a small saucepan.
- Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Reduce the heat and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Remove from heat and strain the tea through a fine mesh strainer.
- Stir in lemon juice and honey to taste.
- Pour into mugs and serve warm with a lemon slice if desired.
Storage
Elderberry tea is best enjoyed fresh and warm. Leftover tea can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and gently reheated.
Serving Ideas
- Serve warm with honey and lemon
- Add ginger for extra warmth
- Pour over ice for a chilled version
- Mix with black tea or herbal tea
- Add a cinnamon stick as a garnish
Recipe Notes
For a stronger tea, simmer for a few extra minutes or add a little more prepared dried elderberry. For a lighter tea, use less elderberry or add extra hot water before serving.
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