The combination of cranberry and anise provides an abundance of flavor. Along with being festive, the tea provides many health benefits. Cranberries help prevent kidney infections and, along with orange juice, are a great source of vitamin C.
Ingredients
5 cups water
12 cranberry-apple tea bags
1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
2½ cups cranberry juice
12 whole star anise (found at most specialty grocers)
Zest of 1 orange, cut into strips
4 cups orange juice, strained
12 lemon slices for garnish
Preparation
1. Bring water to a boil in large saucepan. Remove from heat, add tea bags and cover. Steep for five minutes.
2. Remove tea bags and add brown sugar, cranberry juice, whole star anise and orange zest. Bring mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Add orange juice and stir until warm.
4. Remove from heat and strain, reserving whole star anise. Ladle into mugs and garnish with whole star anise and lemon slices.
