Shiso Tea
This magic, fresh-brewed drink is delicious hot or cold. Add a shot of vodka for a special cocktail.
Ingredients
- 1 bunch Shiso leaves stems removed (about 80 grams or 3 ounces fresh leaves)
- 6 cups boiling water
- 1/2 lemon juiced
- Honey, agave, or sugar to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Put aside a few Shiso leaves for garnish.
- Boil your water. Add the Shiso leaves and allow to steep for 5 minutes (longer if you want stronger tea). At this point the tea will be a light brown color.
- Strain with a sieve into a pitcher or tea pot.
- Add the lemon juice and watch the liquid magically turn bright pink.
- Finish with a touch of honey, agave, sugar, or other sweetener of your choice, if desired. I actually enjoy it unsweetened.
- Refrigerate until cool, about 1 hour (skip this step if you prefer to drink hot tea).
- Serve over ice unless you are making hot tea, and garnish with a fresh Shiso leaf.
- Store in a pitcher in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, but beware it is so refreshing you will probably drink it all in one day!
Notes
Troubleshooting when tea is not turning pink:
- Make sure you are actually using Shiso and not another plant/herb accidentally
- You may have steeped it too long.
- If your tea is a dark brown color it may not turn as bright pink.
- Try adding more lemon juice. Typically about 1-2 tablespoons should be enough for 6 cups, but you may need more.
- I have been successful with lime juice, but have found that lemon juice just works better to get a bright pink color.