Lemon Verbena Apple Dawn

Lemon verbena tea has a fragrant citrus character without the acidity of lemon juice. Apple and raspberry give it a gentle fruit flavor, with the berries adding a little tartness. Use packaged lemon verbena tea intended for drinking and follow its brewing instructions. Cool it before adding the juice and mashed berries. The finished drink is softer than raspberry lemonade and more aromatic than ordinary apple water. Strain the seeds if you want a smooth, clearish glass.

Ingredients

• 1 tea bag Food-grade lemon verbena tea
• 6 oz Water
• 2 oz Apple juice
• 1/4 cup Raspberries

Make it

1. Brew the tea in the measured water, using the temperature and steeping time on its packet. Remove the tea bag.
2. Cool the tea in a heatproof container, then chill for about 30 minutes.
3. Mash any soft fruit in a separate glass. Lightly bruise herbs or ginger; add these and the listed juices or spices to the cooled tea.
4. Stir well and taste. Remove ginger or herb sprigs when their flavor suits you. Strain if you prefer a smoother drink, then serve chilled.

Benefits

Lemon verbena · caffeine-free with apple juice and raspberry

Lemon verbena gives apple juice and raspberry a brewed base without caffeine, so the flavor does not depend on a caffeinated tea or coffee.

A different side of raspberry

There is a bright raspberry tang from the measured raspberry in the lemon verbena and apple juice mixture, giving that ingredient a place without drowning out the other flavors.