Humanity has been enjoying tea for thousands of years. The drink is closely intertwined with culture, philosophy, and everyday life, so everyone finds something different in it. In China, the tea ceremony symbolizes harmony and inner balance, in Japan it is considered a way to inner focus and awareness, in England tea drinking has become an established tradition of communication, and in Ukraine, the preparation of the drink is associated with warmth, hospitality and comfort of the family circle.
There are many different recipes for delicious tea, because since ancient times, people have been experimenting with leaves, flowers, berries, and spices to create drinks not only to quench their thirst but also to heal and restore strength. Homemade teas are especially valuable because all the ingredients are natural, without artificial additives. Fruits, berries, herbs, and spices retain vitamins, antioxidants, and essential oils that support the immune system and give pleasure. In addition, the process of cooking at home is a kind of meditation, a way to slow down and take care of yourself and your loved ones.
Fruit and berry teas
These flavorful and healthy drinks combine the rich flavor of fresh or dried fruit with the benefits of natural vitamins and antioxidants. They give energy, strengthen the immune system and create a feeling of warmth and comfort in any weather.
Recipe #1. Sea buckthorn tea with honey
Sea buckthorn is a valuable natural source of vitamins, especially C and E, which strengthen the immune system and improve skin condition. For preparation, use fresh or frozen berries, honey and warm water. The berries are lightly mashed, poured with hot water, insisted for 10 minutes and honey is added. You can add a couple of apple slices to sea buckthorn tea, which will soften the sourness and add a delicate flavor.
Recipe #2. Apple and vanilla whipped cream
Zbiten is a traditional Ukrainian drink. The tea recipe has been known since the times of Kievan Rus. It is based on apples, honey, water and natural vanilla. Apples are sliced, boiled until soft, honey and vanilla are added, and allowed to brew. Serve hot in the cold season, garnished with a cinnamon stick. The secret to a delicious soba is slow simmering without boiling.
Recipe #3. Pear tea “Princess Jasmine”
The combination of juicy pear and jasmine tea creates a delicate flavor composition. The pears are peeled, cut into thin slices and lightly simmered in water. Then add jasmine tea and leave for a few minutes. The delicious drink can be garnished with jasmine petals or a thin slice of pear on the rim of the cup.
Recipe #4. “Pomegranate bracelet”
This colorful drink is rich in antioxidants that support the cardiovascular system and contribute to the overall health of the body. Pomegranate seeds are squeezed by hand or with a press. Hot water and a little honey are added to the juice for a mild sweet flavor. It is important not to overheat the juice to preserve its beneficial properties and natural flavor. The drink has a rich ruby color and a pleasant astringency.
Recipe #5. Cranberry and lingonberry tea “Zdorovye”
Cranberries and lingonberries are sour berries that are almost impossible to consume without sweeteners. However, these ingredients are very rich in vitamins, minerals, and organic acids that support the immune system and help cleanse the body. They are often combined with mint, which gives the drink freshness and a slight cooling effect. Berries are poured with hot water, infused for a few minutes and honey is added to soften the flavor. This drink warms and tones you up and tastes great with oatmeal cookies, nuts, or dried fruit.
Citrus and refreshing teas
Citrus and refreshing teas are characterized by their bright flavor and aroma. Making teas with different fruits gives the drink a rich flavor and aroma and increases its nutritional value.
Recipe #6. Green citrus tea “Oriental Freshness”
Green tea goes well with lemon, orange, and lime. The main rule of preparation is not to pour boiling water over the leaves; the optimal brewing temperature is 75-80 °C. Citrus is added at the end to preserve the vitamins and flavor of the drink as much as possible.
Recipe #7. Tea with tangerine and mint
This is a winter vitamin drink that is associated with festive mood and comfort during the cold season. Tangerine slices are added to green tea along with fresh mint, which can be lightly crushed to make it release the flavor better and refresh the drink. You can change the ingredients of the recipe: replace green tea with black tea, tangerine with orange, grapefruit or a mixture of citrus fruits for a richer flavor and aroma.
Recipe #8. Orange tea with spices
Of all the teas, this drink is most associated with the Christmas holidays. It combines a bright orange flavor with spicy notes of cinnamon, cloves, and anise. This blend of ingredients not only creates a cozy atmosphere but also warms you up during the cold season.
Place the orange slices and spices in a small saucepan or teapot and cover with hot water at about 80-90 °C. Then they are heated slightly over low heat or infused under a lid for 3-5 minutes to release their rich aroma and flavor.
After that, add tea, leave it for a few more minutes, strain it, and serve it hot. The drink is bright, spicy and rich. Fragrant ingredients emphasize the atmosphere of family comfort and celebration.
Spicy and warming teas
Spicy and warming teas are drinks that not only provide warmth in the cold season, but also fill the body with nutrients. Tea recipes include ingredients such as spices, ginger, herbs, and aromatic berries that create a deep, rich flavor, stimulate metabolism, and help strengthen the immune system.
Recipe #9. Ginger tea with sea buckthorn “Grace”
This warming vitamin drink is perfect for the cold season and times of seasonal illnesses. Ginger stimulates blood circulation, improves body tone and gives a pleasant warmth, while sea buckthorn enriches the drink with vitamins and antioxidants, strengthening the immune system.
Ginger is grated finely or cut into thin slices, fresh or frozen sea buckthorn berries are added and poured with hot water without boiling to preserve the beneficial properties of the ingredients. The amount of ginger can be adjusted to taste, from mild spiciness to rich spice.
It is recommended to keep the infusion covered for 5-10 minutes, after which it is filtered and a little honey is added. A cup of bright, aromatic, warming ginger tea with sea buckthorn will be a great start to the day and is ideal for evening relaxation.
Recipe #10. Indian masala tea
Authentic Indian masala is based on black tea with milk and a traditional blend of spices: cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and black pepper. First, the spices are boiled in water over low heat for 5-7 minutes to give off their rich aroma and spicy flavor. Then add tea and milk, bring the mixture to a boil and strain through a sieve. The drink is rich, warming, and flavorful, ideal for the cold season or as a tonic energy drink. Masala not only gives warmth, but also stimulates metabolism and improves mood, creating an atmosphere of coziness and comfort.
Recipe #11. Moroccan tea with mint
Moroccan mint tea is a true symbol of hospitality and friendliness in North Africa. It is made on the basis of green tea, which is brewed for several minutes, after which a large amount of fresh mint is added. The mint leaves can be crushed a little by hand to release more flavor. The drink is traditionally served in small, clear glass cups, and the kettle is raised high above the cup to create a light, shiny foam. This presentation adds a special charm to the ceremony and makes the consumption process more solemn. Moroccan infusion is known for its refreshing effect, light mint flavor, and delicate bitterness. It is often served with sweets or dried fruits that harmoniously complement the taste.
Recipe #12. “Spicy chili” tea
To classic black tea, add a small piece of fresh or dried chili, a little honey to soften the spice, and a drop of lemon juice. Moderation is important to keep the flavor balanced and pleasant. Hot chili warms, energizes, and stimulates blood circulation. A drink for lovers of extraordinary combinations.
Herbal and medicinal teas
Herbal and medicinal teas made from natural ingredients have healing properties, soothe and restore strength.
Recipe #13. Rosehip tea with honey
Rosehip is a record holder in terms of vitamin C content. Dried fruits are poured with hot water and infused in a thermos for several hours to maximize their healing properties. Honey is added just before serving to preserve the nutrients. Rosehip infusion not only strengthens the immune system, but also tones up, helps fight fatigue and gives the body energy.
Recipe #14. Herbal tea “Memories of Summer”
This blend of meadow herbs and flowers – chamomile, linden, mint, thyme – has a mild aromatherapy effect. The herbs are harvested in dry weather and dried in the shade to preserve their color, aroma, and beneficial properties. Delicious tea soothes, relieves fatigue and stress, gives a light freshness and aroma of summer in every cup.
Recipe #15. Spiced carcasses with spices
A delicious Egyptian red hibiscus infusion can be prepared both hot and cold. This is a bright ruby infusion, the natural sourness of which makes the drink refreshing, and the addition of cinnamon or cloves makes it spicy and deep. Karkade is good for blood vessels, tones up the body, quenches thirst and, as a natural antioxidant, supports overall tone and immunity.
Tips for cooking and serving
For each type of tea, it is important to observe the correct temperature regime: green tea is brewed with water up to 80 °C, black tea – up to 95 °C, and herbal tea can be poured with boiling water. The infusion time directly affects the strength and taste of the drink. Ceramic or glassware helps to preserve the flavor better. Honey, dried fruits, nuts, and light pastries are appropriate to serve with the drink.
Conclusion
Homemade teas provide space for flavor experiments and daily self-care. They allow you to discover new combinations of ingredients, create your own tea recipes, and fill your home with a cozy atmosphere. A cup of flavored tea can warm, soothe and give a sense of harmony at any time of the year.
