Damien mixes: Willowherb

© Damien Guichard

New year, new me—or something like that.

While January sees the masses sprinting towards the dry life, I decided to take a shortcut and head straight to February. As everyone else gleefully stumbles back into their boozy habits, why not shake things up with a delicious low (basically no) ABV drink?

Full disclosure: my camera had a bit of a tantrum, leaving me unable to shoot until recently, so here we are: Win some, lose some.

Anyway, while wandering through my local farmer’s market, a charming little tea stand caught my eye. They had a glorious selection of herbal teas, but one in particular stood out – willowherb. Or, as our German friends call it, Waldweidenröschen (a word that’s as much a mouthful as the tea itself). I was told it mimics some of the deeper, malty notes of black tea but with an extra floral twist. Say no more – I was sold.

© Damien Guichard

Willowherb Tea Cordial

First things first: when using tea, we never want to over-extract. Unless, of course, you enjoy drinking something that tastes like a gym sock steeped in regret.

For a well-balanced brew, here’s what we’re working with:

•          10g Willowherb tea

•          500g water

Bring your water to a simmer, toss in the tea, and let it steep for 10 minutes. Then, strain it through a coffee filter (plot twist!).

While it’s still hot, immediately add sugar and acid powders. But before you do, weigh your infusion again. Tea is a thirsty plant, and some liquid will have vanished into the ether.

•          300g Willowherb tea infusion

•          135g Sugar

•          1% Citric acid + 1% Malic acid

Stir until everything dissolves, let it cool, and prepare yourself – because we’re about to mix up something truly delightful. Our Motto: Flavour Before ABV. Just because a drink won’t get you tipsy doesn’t mean it has to be dull. Let’s put that theory to the test.

Mellow Willow