Berry Fruit Cocktail Tisane earns its popularity honestly: hibiscus, blueberries, blackberries, elderberries and sultanas steep into a deep red, almost dark cup with a fruity, unmistakably berry character from the first sip to the last. There's no Camellia sinensis in the blend, so what you get is naturally caffeine-free — a good option if you're cutting back but still want something to wrap your hands around in the evening.
Hibiscus does most of the work here. It's a herbal plant from the Malvaceae family, and infusions of it have long been drunk for their effect on blood pressure and circulation, thanks to compounds that support the elasticity of blood vessels; hibiscus tea has also traditionally been used to ease menstrual discomfort, support liver health and calm mild anxiety. Blackberries carry their own history — in Ancient Greece the leaves and fruit were given to people with sore throats, digestive trouble and gout, and Native American traditions used them similarly for a range of ailments.
Fruit tisanes like this one don't match the antioxidant levels of true tea, but they aren't nothing, and because the sweetness comes from the fruit rather than added sugar, the calorie count stays low — worth knowing if you're using it as a stand-in for soft drinks. Brew with freshly boiled water for five to ten minutes. It holds up well on its own, though a spoonful of honey or a squeeze of lemon suits it too, and the same blend makes a solid base for iced tea. Tea & Coffee packs each order fresh.
