Have you ever tasted the sweet nectar hiding inside honeysuckle flowers? It’s like nature’s candy! A favorite of hummingbirds, honeysuckle not only produces a delightful sweet nectar but boasts several healing benefits including anti-inflammatory and immune boosting properties. Used to make a variety of foods including syrups, jelly and sorbet, the flowers also make a delicious iced tea. Give this easy recipe a try using either the cold or hot brew method and see if you agree! Can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Honeysuckle Iced Tea Recipe
COLD BREW METHOD
INGREDIENTS
* 1 part honeysuckle flowers (plucked from the base, the sweet nectar lives there)
* 2 parts pure water
* Ice for serving
*Optional: Clear spirits (vodka, gin, etc.)
INSTRUCTIONS
* Rinse honeysuckle flowers and place in a clean mason jar
* Gently bruise flowers with a wooden spoon
* Top with pure water that has been boiled and cooled to room temp
* Stir, cover and refrigerate overnight
* Next day, strain out flowers and pour tea over ice
* Optional: Add clear spirits to create a summer cooler
* Garnish with fresh honeysuckle and lemon slice
HOT BREW METHOD
INGREDIENTS
* 1 part honeysuckle flowers
* 2 parts pure water
* Drizzle of honey, if desired
INSTRUCTIONS
* Rinse honeysuckle flowers and place in a mason jar
* Bring water to the boil and let cool 2-3 minutes (if water is too hot it pulls bitterness from the flower)
* Pour hot water over flowers
* Steep until water cools to room temp
* Strain and add honey if using
* Pour tea over ice and garnish with fresh honeysuckle and lemon slice
TIPS
* Freeze tea into ice cubes. Use instead of regular ice cubes for iced teas.
* For a ‘sparkling’ iced tea; brew stronger by adding more honeysuckle – equal parts flowers to water. Proceed as per instructions. When ready to serve top with sparkling water or soda and garnish with fresh honeysuckle and citrus slices.
