Tea Brewing 101 | Tisane & Herbal Blends

What are Tisanes?

Not all teas come from the Camellia sinensis tea plant. Teas that do not come from tea leaves are known as Tisanes (also known as herbal teas) and can come from fruit, flowers, spices, or herbs. Since tisane ingredients vary so widely, they can offer many different flavor profiles and health benefits. In fact, tisanes were initially used for medicinal purposes before they became a drink of enjoyment. From an upset stomach, inflammation, or insomnia, tisane blends are still used today to help relieve common ailments. Since tisanes do not contain tea leaves, they are caffeine free and can afford to have longer steep times. This means that it is more difficult to mess up the brewing experience. Tisanes are a great way to get introduced to the world of tea drinking and brewing!

The Different Types of Tisanes:

• Rooibos/Honeybush
• Yerba Mate
• Fruit Teas
• Herbal

Brewing Ratios & Temperature

Since the ingredients of tisanes can vary widely, it can be difficult to nail down a specific time and temperature. It truly depends on the brewing method, how much you are brewing, the specific ingredients, and the taste or recipe you are wanting to accomplish. Luckily with tisanes, you can steep the ingredients for as long as you would like due to the high aromatic compounds and decreased tannin levels. It is more of a matter of how strong you want the fruit pieces, herbs, or spices to taste.  Typically for a tisane, the steeping temperature should be around 200℉, and the steep time can range from 5-7 minutes. If you measure 8 oz of water, you will want to use 1.5-2 teaspoons of your favorite tisane blend to get the fullest flavor out of your cup. Refer to our brewing guide for more details on how to brew specific types of tea.

Check Out our Brewing Guide for the Different Tea Types

Different Ways to Brew Tisanes

You can brew tisane blends using any brewing tool you prefer. Some of our favorite brewing methods include infusers, filter bags, or even a French press. It all depends on how much you are brewing or the style of drink you are making. The type of beverage you choose to brew, whether it be hot or iced, can heavily depend on the type of ingredients in the blend. For example, rooibos, herbal blends, or chai (without black tea) are often preferred hot. Whereas a fruity tisane typically shines as an iced tea or cold brew. Of course, nothing is set in stone. Brewing tea is subjective and what makes it so fun is that you can discover your favorite drink through experimentation. After the brew is complete, you can always jazz it up by adding steamed milk, extra spice topping, lemon slices, sugar, etc. The brewing world is your oyster!

Click Here to Discover our Versatile Selection of Tisane/Herbal Blends

Our Favorite Tisane Recipes

Rooibos Tea Latte *Two Servings

Did you know you can make a Rooibos Tea Latte? Here is a basic recipe to help you make a delicious and caffeine-free latte, perfect for any time of the day. Try a latte using our rooibos selections like Organic Citrus Rooibos, or for an extra indulgent treat, try Ultimate Dessert Rooibos. 

What You’ll Need: 

• 2/3 cup water
• 4 teaspoons of any rooibos blend
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups milk
• 2 teaspoons honey
• Cinnamon for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat water to the appropriate temperature for the type of rooibos tea.
2. Steep tea. See our brewing guide for the steep time.
3. Heat and froth milk.
4. Divide tea into two mugs, Fill to the top with milk and foam.
5. Sprinkle with cinnamon for additional flavor

Blood Orange Ginger Fizz *Two Servings

Here in Arizona, we love a good, iced tea recipe. One of our favorite fruit flavors to enjoy iced is blood orange. The vibrant, citrus flavor wakes up the palate and is incredibly refreshing on a hot day. This recipe is extremely easy to make, and the addition of ginger ale gives it a mocktail vibe.

What You’ll Need:

• 2 tablespoons of Blood Orange Hibiscus or any preferred fruit tea
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 lemon
• Thyme
• 2/3 cup ginger ale
• Lemon slices for garnish

Instructions:

1. Brew loose-leaf tea in 8 oz of boiling water and let steep for 5-6 minutes. Put the brewed tea in the refrigerator to cool.
2. While the tea is cooling, squeeze the lemon the juice with the thyme in a glass. Add the ginger ale and ice cubes and shake to combine.
3. After the tea is cool, stir in the tbsp of honey.
4. Mix the tea/honey with the ginger ale mocktail in equal parts (1:1 ratio).
5. Add some lemon slices if desired and enjoy!

Vanilla Coconut Rooibos

As fall approaches this tea is perfect to enjoy on a cool afternoon The subtle coconut flavor mixed with vanilla is a soothing and creamy combination perfect for any fall day.

What You’ll Need:

• 1 teaspoon red rooibos tea
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon shredded coconut
• 8 oz of water

Instructions:

1. Mix together the rooibos tea with the coconut.
2. Steep in water at 200 degrees F for 5-7 minutes.
3. Strain ingredients in necessary.
4. Add vanilla.
5. Stir and enjoy!