There are different ways to make homemade wild cherry tea, depending on the ingredients and the method you prefer.
Here are some possible options:
Option 1: Fresh or frozen cherries
- Wash and pit about 2 cups of fresh or frozen cherries. You can use a cherry pitter or a knife to remove the pits.
- In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add 4 black tea bags and let them steep for 5 minutes. Remove the tea bags and discard them.
- Add the cherries, 1/4 cup of lemon juice, and 1/4 cup of sugar or honey to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Mash the cherries with a potato masher or a fork to release their juice. Strain the tea through a fine-mesh sieve or a cheesecloth into a pitcher or a jar. You can press the cherries with a spoon to extract more juice.
- Enjoy your cherry tea hot or cold. You can refrigerate the tea for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
Option 2: Dried cherries
- Place 1/4 cup of dried cherries in a small bowl and cover them with hot water. Let them soak for 10 minutes to rehydrate them.
- In a medium pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add 4 black tea bags and let them steep for 10 minutes. Remove the tea bags and discard them.
- Drain the cherries and add them to the pot. You can also add some lemon zest or juice for extra flavor. Stir well and bring the tea to a boil, then turn off the heat.
- Enjoy your cherry tea hot. You can store the leftover tea in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Option 3: Cherry tea mix
- This option is very easy and convenient. You just need to follow the directions on the package of your cherry tea mix. Usually, you need to stir one teaspoon of the mix with one cup of hot or cold water.
- Enjoy your cherry tea as it is or customize it with some ice cubes or milk if you like. You can also add some fresh mint leaves or sliced lemon for a refreshing touch.
Option 4: Wild cherry bark
- Wild cherry bark is a natural remedy that can help soothe a dry throat. You can buy it online or at health food stores.
- In a small saucepan, combine 1/4 cup of wild cherry bark, 2 cups of water, 1/4 cup of honey, 1 inch of ginger (peeled and sliced), 1 cinnamon stick, and 4 cloves. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve or a cheesecloth into a glass jar. You can store the syrup in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- To make wild cherry tea, mix 2 tablespoons of the syrup with one cup of hot water or black tea. Stir well and enjoy.