We had our annual Green Path Herb School Open House last week and it was so much fun! I made an herbal punch that got rave reviews and I thought I'd share the recipe with you. This would be a fun punch for any celebratory event including a birthday party, holiday celebration, or herb school graduation (wink wink).

Hibiscus Lemongrass Herbal Punch Recipe

1 ounce hibiscus (Hibiscus spp.)

1 ounce rose hips (Rosa spp.)

1 ounce lemon verbena (Aloysia citrodora)

1/2 ounce lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)

1/2 ounce fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)

1 cup fresh berries

2 bottles of sparkling apple cider or other sparkling juice

Mix all herbs together in a large teapot or 1/2 gallon canning jar. Add 6 cups of boiling water and let sit until cool. This will make a strong tea. Strain the tea. I froze about 4 cups of the tea in a bowl and refrigerated the rest. Frozen tea in one large chunk takes longer to melt and keeps your punch cooler over a longer time period. Once you are ready for your event, run hot water over your frozen bowl to dislodge your herbal ice. I put my ice in a punch bowl and poured the sparkling juice over the top. Add berries and enjoy!

© Elaine Sheff, Clinical Herbalist, RH (AHG)