Stinging Nettle-Ade (Sugar-Free Nettle Iced Tea)
Stinging Nettle-Ade, also known as Nettle Iced Tea, isn't just a delightful, refreshing drink—it's packed with numerous health benefits. This sugar-free lemonade alternative made from foraged stinging nettles is perfect for spring and summer.
Servings 4
Ingredients
- 8 g dried nettle leaves and stems 8 tablespoons
- 960 ml boiling water 4 cups
- Ice cubes (as needed)
- honey per serving (4 tablespoons total) 1 tablespoon
- preserved lemon or a ½-inch chunk per serving (4 chunks total) ⅛
- 240 ml sparkling water per serving (4 cups total) 1 cup
Instructions
- Steep the Nettles: Place the dried nettles in a teapot or a nonreactive pot. Pour 4 cups (960 ml) of boiling water over the nettles and let them steep for 15 minutes. Once done, strain the nettles from the water.
- Prepare the Drink: Fill tall glasses with ice. Muddle 1 tablespoon of honey and ⅛ preserved lemon (or a ½-inch chunk) in each glass. Pour in ½ cup (120 ml) of the strong nettle tea, then top off with 1 cup (240 ml) of sparkling water.
Notes
For optimal flavor, use 2 tablespoons (2 g) of dried nettles per 1 cup (240 ml) of water. This concentration makes the tea robust enough to complement the ice and sparkling water. To prepare 4 servings, use 8 tablespoons (8 g) of dried nettles and 4 cups (960 ml) of water. Feel free to adjust the quantities slightly as dried nettles are very lightweight.