CARE Beverage Idea: Faux White Wine
You know how alcohol is an acquired taste? There is usually something a little bitter (like tannins) or pungent in these beverages that we come to anticipate. When finding alcohol alternatives, I like to experiment with combinations of flavors that I might not exactly love at first sight – but I acquire a taste for it. This makes it more satisfying to me than just replacing my wine with a glass of juice. I still want that distinct taste that makes me sip it, slow down, and relax. Here is one combination that I enjoy. And in the spirit of CARE, the herbs are also therapeutic to the digestive system. This beverage supports your native strains of bacteria rather than stress them (as alcohol does).
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Ingredients
For Brewed Tea Concentrate
- 4 cups water
- 1/4 cup licorice tea, loose leaf (or 4 tea bags): NOTE: those with high blood pressure, substitute licorice for flavor of your choice (could use decaf green tea, Holy Basil, or rose flavors)
- 1/4 cup loose leaf chamomile tea (or 4 tea bags)
- 1 bunch fresh mint
At Time of Serving
- 4 cups sparkling mineral water (flavor of choice, 1/3–1/2 cup per serving)
Instructions
- Boil water.
- Place tea and mint in a French press or even just a medium glass cooking bowl. Carefully add boiling water and allow to brew for at least 30 minutes up to 2 hours (you really can’t brew it too long).
- Strain and then chill.
- To enjoy: Add equal parts chilled tea with mineral water of choice (I like mint flavored) to favorite wine glass.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Diet: Vegan
Nutrition
- Calories: 1
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg