| Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 200 | 0g | 0g | 50g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 45g | 0g | 0g | 0g |
The first time I tasted the Peppermint Gum Leaf and Ginger Iced Tea, it was one of those beautiful, yet scorching summer days in the Colorado Rockies. Of course, I was no stranger to the culinary delight of wild produce. Being an expert in game meats and trout dishes, my taste buds are always seeking out fresh, unique flavors. And yet, this tea—with its vibrant fusion of wild peppermint, spicy ginger, and citrus—created an entirely new palate experience for me. It was instantly refreshing, with a depth of flavor that sang of the outdoor landscapes I so love.
Finding Balance in Flavor
This is not your average iced tea, my friends. The Peppermint Gum Leaf and Ginger Iced Tea is the embodiment of balance. It’s a symphony of sweet, tart and coolness, with that underlying ginger heat for contrast—the perfectly invigorating brew for a hot Colorado day, whether you’re chilling by the creek with your loved ones or simply savoring a quiet moment on your porch.
Effortlessly versatile, too—it pairs deliciously with other mountain-themed dishes, perhaps a trout recipe, or might I suggest, a hearty game meat dish? Take it from me, there’s nothing quite like savoring the mingling flavors between a sip of this iced tea and a bite of your favorite rustic dish.
Natural Goodness in Every Sip
Beyond its taste, what also draws me to this tea is the array of health benefits that each ingredient brings to the table. The peppermint leaves aid in digestion and can soothe headaches, while the ginger, being a powerful antioxidant, reduces inflammation and can lower blood sugars. The lemon juice, with its burst of vitamin C, enhances immunity, and black tea boasts heart-friendly properties. It’s delicious nourishment in a pitcher.
In the end, to me, enjoying this iced tea isn’t just about quenching my thirst—it embraces a lifestyle, a tribute to the outdoors, and the flavorsome bounties it offers us. It tells a story—one of fresh mountain air, wild peppermint leaves, the warm scent of ginger, and sweet lemon under the Colorado sun. So, who’s ready for a glass?
What You’ll Need
- 6 cups of cold water
- 12 fresh peppermint gum leaves
- 3 tablespoons of fresh ginger, thinly sliced
- 6 black tea bags
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 cup of fresh lemon juice
- 6 sprigs of fresh mint for garnish
- 6 slices of lemon for garnish
Method
Step One
Start by boiling the 6 cups of cold water in a large pot over high heat. While the water is boiling, prepare your fresh ingredients.
Step Two
Thinly slice your 3 tablespoons of fresh ginger. While doing this, wash your 12 fresh peppermint gum leaves and your 6 sprigs of fresh mint and set these aside. Lastly, prepare your 6 slices of lemon for garnish.
Step Three
As soon as the water starts boiling, add the thinly sliced fresh ginger and peppermint gum leaves. Allow these to boil together for about 5-7 minutes, or until the water is infused with the flavours of the ginger and leaves.
Step Four
After infusing the water, add the 6 black tea bags into the pot. Allow the tea bags to steep in the infused water for around 5 minutes, or until your desired strength of tea is reached. After this, remove the tea bags and allow the tea to cool slightly.
Step Five
Add the 1 cup of sugar into the warm tea and stir until the sugar is entirely dissolved. Once this is done, add in 1 cup of fresh lemon juice into the tea and stir it well.
Step Six
Remove the ginger slices and peppermint gum leaves from the tea. After this, allow the tea to chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until it’s time to serve.
Step Seven
To serve, pour the tea into glasses and garnish each with a sprig of fresh mint and a slice of lemon. Enjoy your refreshing Peppermint Gum Leaf and Ginger Iced Tea!
