Simple Elderberry Wellness Tea

1. 1
   prep · ~2 min

   Prepare the elderberries and spices.

   1.Place 0.25 cup dried elderberries on a cutting board and gently crush them with the flat side of a knife.

   2.Lightly crush the 3-inch cinnamon stick to open up the bark.

   3.Thinly slice a 1-inch piece of fresh ginger.

   TIPCrushing the elderberries and cinnamon helps extract more flavor and beneficial compounds.
2. 2
   boil · ~17 min

   Simmer the tea.

   1.Pour 3 cups of water into a small saucepan.

   2.Add the crushed elderberries, cinnamon stick, ginger slices, and whole cloves.

   3.Bring the pot to a rolling boil over high heat.

   4.Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes.

   5.The liquid will reduce slightly and turn a deep ruby color.

   TIPKeep it at a gentle simmer, not a hard boil, to avoid destroying the delicate flavors.
3. 3
   prep · ~2 min

   Strain and sweeten the tea.

   1.Remove the saucepan from the heat.

   2.Place a fine mesh strainer over a heatproof measuring cup or another clean saucepan.

   3.Carefully pour the steeped tea through the strainer to remove all solids.

   4.Discard the spent elderberries and spices.

   5.Stir 2 teaspoons of honey into the hot, strained tea until fully dissolved.

   TIPStirring the honey in while the tea is hot ensures it melts smoothly without clumping.
4. 4
   assemble · ~1 min

   Warm the mugs and serve.

   1.Rinse two mugs with hot water to warm them, then pour out the water.

   2.Divide the strained tea evenly between the two warmed mugs.

   3.Garnish each mug with a fresh slice of lemon.

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