So, while out shopping at my local gourmet grocery store, I noted a box of Blackberry, Hibiscus and Raspberry Cold Water Infusion in the tea section. I was actually looking for hibiscus tea, but this sounded intriguing.
Then, I picked up the box. The packaging had an attractive photograph of a cold berry drink garnished with fresh blackberries and raspberries. In fact, another shopper was also looking at the teas and she picked up the same box. Neither one of us knew exactly what a cold water infusion was.
Therefore, I decided to buy a box, bring it home and make a cold water infusion.
Cold Water Infusion or Tisane
A cold water infusion drink, or tisane, is very much like making a cup of tea. However, one gets the benefit of the herbs without the boiling water. The herbs or fruit are steeped in cold water for a period of time. Cold water is ideal for certain delicate fruits, flowers and teas leaves which might be damaged with hot water. This herb and fruit drink is usually caffeine free.
Tisanes are made from leaves, flowers, bark, roots, fruit, berries or seeds.
Making a Blackberry, Hibiscus and Raspberry Tisane
Making this drink is very simple. I added one individually wrapped tea bag to 16 ounces of cold water of which I added some ice cubes. I allowed it to infuse for 20 minutes.
When the time was up, the tea bag had infused into the cold water. Then, I added one package of sweetener and stirred the whole drink up.
Taste Test
What I first noted about the tisane is that I could smell the berries. Then, upon checking the ingredient list, I noted it has chamomile, hibiscus, rose hips, blackberry leaves, apple pieces, cinnamon, elderberries and raspberries in it.
Taste test reveals the drink is slightly sweet, refreshing, and delicately tasting of flowers and fruit. The drink has a slight pink hue.
Ending Notes on Cold Water Infusion
What I failed to mention here is the easy and convivence of making this cold drink.
For instance, if you wanted to go the gym and take your water bottle, all you have to do is add the tea bag to cold water. There is no waiting for water to boil and then to allow to steep.
I enjoyed this cold infusion drink thinking it would be perfect to beat the summertime heat and, of course, has no calories.
Resource Sites: blog.mountainherbs.com and thesprueeats.com