How to Make an Iced Herbal Infusion
Your favourite herbs, a little preparation and a refreshing cup waiting for you the next day.
Making an iced herbal infusion at home is simple. We start with a small amount of boiling water to draw out the flavour and colour, then let the herbs steep overnight in the fridge. In the morning, strain, add cold water and enjoy.
This is how we make ours. Once you’ve tried it, you can adjust the strength and sweetness to suit your taste.
What you’ll need
- 1 tablespoon of your chosen herbal blend, or 2 teaspoons of hibiscus or butterfly pea flower
- 200 ml boiling water
- 1 litre cold water
- Your preferred sweetener, to taste, or none at all
- A heat-safe jar with a lid, a strainer and a large jug
Makes approximately 1.2 litres before allowing for water absorbed by the herbs.
Step 1 - Start with a hot bloom
Place your herbs in a heat-safe jar. Use 1 tablespoon for your chosen herbal blend, or 2 teaspoons if you’re using hibiscus or butterfly pea flower. Pour over about 200 ml of boiling water and let the herbs infuse.
Step 2 - Sweeten your way
Allow the infusion to cool slightly, then stir in your preferred sweetener while the liquid is still warm. This helps it dissolve. Start with a little, or leave it unsweetened. You can always adjust it later. We used maple syrup at the stall however, you can use honey or any other sweetner.
Step 3 - Steep overnight in the fridge
Once the jar has cooled enough to handle safely, cover and refrigerate promptly. Leave the herbs in the liquid to steep overnight.
Follow your jar’s care instructions and avoid sudden temperature changes.
Step 4 - Strain and add cold water
In the morning, strain the infusion into a large jug.
Add about 1 litre of cold water and some ice and stir well.
Your iced herbal infusion is ready to enjoy.
Make it your own
Taste your infusion before adding more sweetener. If you’d like it lighter, add a little more cold water. For a stronger cup next time, adjust the amount of herbs to suit your taste.
Serve chilled or pour over ice, and keep the remaining infusion in the fridge. You can also garnish your jug or your glass with fresh fruit or herbs and flowers.
You can even use a little sparkling water with your overnight concentrate or pop your infusion into the soda stream - just enjoy your refreshing cold infusion how you like.
A little preparation tonight, a refreshing herbal ritual tomorrow.