Ginger Vanilla Iced Yaupon Tea

Serves 6 to 8  |  Prep 15 minutes  |  Chill 4+ hours

With its hints of spice and touch of sweetness, this elevated yaupon tea drink makes a nice afternoon pick-me-up or brunch beverage.

8 Dark Roast Habitat Yaupon tea bags
1 tablespoon minced crystallized ginger (such as Penzey’s Sweet Ginger Bits)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Ice
Whole Milk

To brew the yaupon tea, bring 4 cups of filtered water to boil in a medium saucepan.  Add the tea bags and crystallized ginger, cover and steep for 10 minutes.  Remove the yaupon tea bags (you can reserve for a second use later).  Place in the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours.

When ready to serve, stir in the vanilla extract.  Fill tall glasses halfway with ice and pour on the cold yaupon tea mixture, dividing the ginger bits among the glasses. Stir in milk and serve ice cold.