I'm a tea person. I know there's a stereotype that Hispanics only drink coffee, but SURPRISE!! give me tea. Drinking a hot cup of tea first thing in the morning is like a big warm hug and I find there's no better way to start your day.
I favor lemongrass over any other tea leaf, and growing up we always had it in our yard. Basil, (which is a different variation from the basil one would use in tomato sauce), mint, and anise, all play in a role to help make the perfect cup of bush tea.
Here's my blend for the perfect cup:
5 leaves of lemongrass
1 sprig of mint (sometimes I swap for anise or basil)
Small wedge of ginger
Now the key for not getting bitter tea is how you steep it. Some people boil the bush with the water and that's a big NO NO. Boil your water, allow it to get to a rolling boil, add your tea and ginger, then turn the stove off immediately. Allow the tea to steep for 5 minutes and VIOLA, a perfect cup of bush tea. Sweeten with some brown sugar if you so desire. Allow your tea to cool and pour over ice for some Caribbean Sweet Tea.
Love Always,
Nina
