Mint belongs to the rather large Lamiaceae family - a family that is full of those highly aromatic herbs such as basil, sage, thyme and rosemary. It is also known for its digestive problems and considering some might have over-indulged over the New Year, some type of soothing non-alcoholic beverage is in order.
I've turned to the pages of a fun book called Slurp and their recipe for a mint and ginger iced tea. It also uses the delicately fragrant jasmine tea as well as fresh ginger and lime. While I've served it iced, those in cooler climes should be able to enjoy this as a warming tonic.
Mint and Ginger Iced Tea
1½ tablespoons jasmine tea
4 slices of fresh ginger, peeled
1 lime, sliced
fresh mint sprigs
1 litre boiling water
sugar
ice cubes
fresh mint sprigs, extra
The amount of ginger, lime, mint and sugar used is really up to your own flavour preference so feel free to play around with the quantities.
Place the ginger, lime, mint and tea into a jug and pour over with the boiled water. Let this steep for 5 minutes. Strain the mixture into a clean jug and add sugar to taste.
Set it aside to cool.
To serve, place ice and fresh mint sprigs into glass and top with the cooled tea mixture.
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I'm definitely longing for summer seeing this, sounds wonderful! I'll have to relocate my mind patch, since the current location will be under a lovely deck when my house renovations are finished.
ReplyDeleteMint - muddled with lime in a Gin and tonic. Bloody marvellous. Or whizzed up with some sugar to go over fruit or ice cream.
ReplyDeleteI grow tons of the stuff every year and use it mainly in salads as another green leaf. Here in London you can let it run wild. When I was growing up in Moe (a little east of Melbourne), it had to be contained in pots lest it took over the garden.
Managed to prepare an entry for this one, too. About time I got some veggies down me after Christmas!
ReplyDeleteLovely!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
Paz
Wow! Looks amazing, I'll try to prepare sth nice for this herbs weekend as well;) Happy 2009!
ReplyDeletegorgeous pictures! i am saving this for when summer comes. and i love those glasses!
ReplyDeleteThanks Kalyn - though knowing mint it would probaby grow through your new deck!
ReplyDeleteA very civilised beverage Andrew - it does grow everywhere here, the smallest crack in the paving and up it comes
Thanks Scott!
Thanks Paz - have a wonderful 2009!
Thanks Majmily - look forward to it!
Thanks Sara - they are gorgeous!