Strawberry Lemon Chaga Iced Tea Recipe
As I write this, I'm listening to the birds chirp outside and the sun is trying its best to peek through the clouds. Spring smells are making their way through the open windows, and a crisp breeze flows through the whole house. I love spring!
And, it makes me happy knowing summer is right around the corner.
And that means it's time to brew up a pot of tart and tasty strawberry lemon chaga iced tea!
This blend is so perfect for a summer afternoon chill. Give me a cup, a good book, and a comfy chair out in the sun and I'm a happy camper!
How to Make Strawberry Lemon Chaga Iced Tea
To start, we have to make the chaga tea. It forms the base of our tea. I like to make a big pot and then I end up with a nice large pitcher of iced tea at the end.
Ready, set, steep!
Step #1: Bring 12 cups of water almost to boiling point (175 degrees or 80 C.) Avoid "boiling" it, but allow it to "steep" and be hot enough. Look for wisps of steam coming off the top, rather than boiling bubbles.
Step #2: Turn down to low and add one of the following:
- 1 Chaga tea gag or a 1/4 cup tea grind and steep approx. 5-8 hrs.
- 1/2 cup Chaga chunks steep for 6-8 hrs.
- 1-Chaga ThermO Tea bag per 36 oz. vacuum bottle (let steep overnight).
*Our "Bulk" Chaga contains larger chunks - so use about (20g) or 3 to 5 larger pieces and steep 8-12 hrs.
If you’re using chunks or grind, strain it, then let it cool in the fridge for a few hours.
From Hot to Iced
To make it strawberry lemon chaga iced tea, I cut up a whole bunch of strawberries and lots of sliced lemon. Once the tea has cooled, add the fruit to the pitcher and give it a good stir.
To sweeten your strawberry lemon chaga iced tea, a few teaspoons of honey do the trick. You can also add a fresh sprig of mint for a nice energy boost.
Serve it over ice and enjoy!
Iced tea should be used within 2 weeks.
Expert Tips: Try mixing Chaga tea half and half with beer for a refreshing drink! Or make Chaga ice cubes and add them to your favorite summer drinks or smoothies. Making ice cubes is also a great way to store it for months ahead of time, and it’s ready for use when you are!
How to Make Chaga Tea: A Few Additional Tips
Here are a few additional things to keep in mind when it comes to your tea:
- Longer brew times yield a stronger tea, so get to know your desired strength and adjust steep times accordingly.
- You can do this on the stovetop if you like, but a crockpot on the lowest setting works well too.
- Smaller Chaga particles (grind vs. big Chunks) tend to brew more quickly. Larger chunks require more brew time.
- You can make another 12 cup pot of tea with that same Chaga! Some people even brew a third time.
- Once you brew your first pot of tea, you can either brew another 12 cup pot immediately using the same Chaga or you can freeze that Chaga until you’re ready to brew your second pot. We use our Tea Grind and Chunks twice.
Expert Tip: If you're not sensitive to "scents," don't throw out those used up Chaga Chunks! Dry them out and burn them as incense! The aroma of burning Chaga is truly amazing!