Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: Herbal Beverage
Course: Drink
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup tart cherry juice (100% juice)
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup)
- 2 chamomile tea bags
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Lemon slices for garnish
- Fresh mint leaves (optional)
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Fine mesh strainer
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cup
- Wooden spoon
- Two serving mugs
Instructions
Step 1
Pour the water and tart cherry juice into a medium saucepan. Place over medium heat until the mixture begins to steam but does not boil.
Step 2
Add the grated ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly until the spices are evenly combined.
Step 3
Reduce the heat to low and allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 8 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the spices from settling at the bottom.
Step 4
Turn off the heat and add the chamomile tea bags. Let them steep for 3 to 5 minutes depending on your preferred strength.
Step 5
Remove the tea bags and strain the drink into a clean container to remove the ginger pieces.
Step 6
Stir in the honey and fresh lemon juice while the tea is still warm.
Step 7
Pour into two mugs and garnish with a lemon slice and a sprig of fresh mint if desired.
Serve immediately while warm.
Recipe Tips
- Use fresh ginger for the brightest flavor.
- Freshly ground black pepper complements the turmeric’s flavor.
- Adjust the honey according to your preferred sweetness.
- For a creamier version, add a splash of warm oat or almond milk.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to two days and gently reheat before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this herbal drink with:
- Whole-grain crackers
- Oatmeal cookies
- Fresh berries
- Toast with almond butter
- Mixed nuts
Recipe Notes
This comforting beverage is intended as a flavorful herbal drink. Although ingredients such as turmeric, ginger, and tart cherry are commonly included in wellness recipes, this beverage is not a medicine and should not be used to treat pain or replace professional medical care.
Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 90
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Protein: 0.5 g
- Fat: 0.2 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 10 mg
- Potassium: 180 mg
- Vitamin C: 12 mg
- Calcium: 25 mg
- Iron: 0.6 mg