Healthy Herbal Holiday Punch

It is time to eat, drink and be merry.

Have you ever gone to a holiday party and just been so disappointed in the amount of sugar, sodas and junk food that was there?

I love celebrating life and the changing seasons with friends and good food. Sometimes though, you just have to BYO to make sure you have something healthy to eat and drink.

If you know that your relatives’ party is going to involve the proverbial ice chest full of sodas, you can offer to bring a special drink to share with everyone.

This Holiday Punch has been a hit in my household for years.

It is so simple to make, it is red (people like red drinks during the holidays) and it is healthy and delicious.

Hibiscus is a cardiovascular tonic, elder flowers help fight off colds and inflammation. Peppermint is the perfect addition to holiday drinks because it is a superb digestive aid to help you digest all the holiday treats.

If you don’t have a local herb store, you can order the herbs from Mountain Rose Herbs.

Pull out the punch bowl and enjoy the holidays with a drink that helps keep away colds and keeps you healthy!

Herbal Holiday Punch

Ingredients

• 4 cups water
• 2 tablespoons hibiscus
• 1 tablespoon elder flowers
• 1 teaspoon peppermint
• 4 cups cherry, raspberry or pomegranate juice
• 4 cups carbonated water
• 2 cups fruit granish; orange/tangerine slices, cranberries, pomegranate seeds, berries and cinnamon sticks

Instructions

1. Put water and herbs into a pot with the lid on
2. Do not heat the mixtures; just let the herbs infuse into the water overnight. This is called a cold tea infusion and this preparation does not need any heat
3. In the morning, strain the herbs from the water and discard the herbs or put them into the compost pile
4. Pour this cool tea into punch bowl and add juice, carbonated water and fruit garnishes just before serving