Mint tisane with cacao nibs

Date

02.28.19

CategoryFood

Inspired by the classic flavor combination

This tea inspires comparisons to ice cream flavors and candies, but is made with just a few natural, healthy ingredients. “Its chocolatey aroma comes from cacao nibs (the dried and fermented bits of cacao beans) which, research shows, are a good source of iron, potassium, and magnesium, and don’t melt in hot water,” says New York City–based recipe developer Sarah Jampel. Vanilla bean and mint offer fragrant sweetness and aromatics. Be sure to save the vanilla bean seeds for another recipe—one bean’s worth is equivalent to 3 teaspoons vanilla extract—so swap them in for an even more powerful flavor.

Brew Time: 5 minutes
Makes 2 cups

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Photography by Robert Bredvad

Ingredients

3 teaspoons cacao nibs

2 mint tea bags

1 vanilla bean, halved and scraped, seeds reserved for another recipe

Fresh mint, for garnish, optional

Directions

In a small pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Meanwhile, divide the cacao nibs between two mugs and place one tea bag and half of the vanilla bean pod in each. Alternatively, combine the ingredients in a teapot.

Pour in the hot water and let steep for 5 minutes. Remove tea bags, strain to remove solids, and garnish with fresh mint, if desired.

Power pair: steak + citrus

Eat steak with vitamin C and you'll absorb more iron.

Food