2TB crushed herbs (petals and leaves) to 250mL water at 100C, steeped 20 minutes.
Yes, that steep time is correct, and the vendor promises a second steep with different flavour notes.
Dry leaf: exceptionally pretty with lots of bright, bright green from the blackcurrant leaf, pink rose petals, blue cornflower petals, twists of dark and light green form the fireweed, and tiny white elderflowers. Aroma: very resinous, which I think is the fireweed, an ingredient I’m not familiar with.
Wet leaf: still very bright green, much the same aroma with perhaps that resinous, leafy scent a bit stronger.
Liquor: dark gold, clear.
Flavour: gently herbaceous and subtly sweet. I’m having trouble coming up with a comparison. Maybe a bit like green yerba mate, only much softer? Medium-to-heavy mouthfeel, which I expect is some resin from the leaves. The slightest bit lemony in aroma. Very soothing to drink.
I’d not heard of Ivan Chai til today. Fermented fireweed tisane is used as a medicine tisane and tonic in Russia. The name ‘Ivan Chai’ comes from the West. Fireweed is also called rose-pink willow herb, or just willow herb.
It’s really good.
As the tisane cools, I can taste the rose petals, too. Very subtle. Blends well with the fireweed.
Great to hear you are enjoying Blue Heart Gardens Ivan Chai! thanks for the review!