Nectarine Chamomile Slow Fade

Nectarine gives chamomile a soft stone-fruit note, while a tiny pinch of cardamom makes its floral aroma more interesting. Use a ripe fruit and slice it thinly so the flavor has a chance to reach the tea. The spice should stay very subtle; too much will cover the chamomile completely. Strain out the fruit if you want a clear cup. This is a gentle evening infusion with a warmer finish than a plain fruit tea, without adding a sweet syrup.

Ingredients

• 1 tea bag Chamomile tea
• 6 oz Water
• 1/2 fruit Ripe nectarine, pitted and sliced
• 1 tiny pinch Ground cardamom

Make it

1. Prepare any fruit as listed, removing stones, cores and hard stems.
2. Brew the tea in the measured water according to its packet, then remove the bag.
3. Whisk any nut or seed butter into a spoonful of the hot tea first. Add it back with the fruit, juice, spices or other listed flavorings. Warm gently in a small pan for 3–4 minutes if needed to soften fruit; do not boil.
4. Strain if preferred, removing whole peel, herb or ginger pieces. Serve at a comfortable drinking temperature.

Benefits

Chamomile · caffeine-free with nectarine and cardamom

Chamomile gives nectarine and cardamom a brewed base without caffeine, so the flavor does not depend on a caffeinated tea or coffee.

A warmer side of cardamom

The chamomile and nectarine carries a fragrant, almost citrusy warmth from cardamom, giving you a fragrant warm drink to enjoy in place of an alcoholic nightcap.