How to Make the BEST cup of Coffee, Tea, and Herbal tea - with MY secret ingredients!

My own personal recipes for the BEST cup of Coffee, Tea, and Herbal Tea. So, try them. Drink up and enjoy life.

These drinks are easy to prepare and a pleasure to sip with your favorite cookie or cracker. Homemade of course. If you buy cookies or crackers, only buy those with natural ingredients in them - this will narrow your selection down quite a bit, but healthy is always better.

COFFEE: Brew the coffee your favorite way. I always grind my beans and make it in an electric coffee maker. Be sure to always start with fresh pure cold water. A commercial water filter on your kitchen sink faucet will remove 99.9% of the bad stuff in your water. I personally use a Pur brand water filter. When done, pour yourself about 2/3 of a cup. Add half and haf creamer if desired. NEVER use artificial creamers, neither liquid nor powdered. Add sweeteners to taste. NEVER use artificial sweeteners. Natural sugar (bleached or unbleached) is best for your health. For a nice variety you can add about 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon or cardamon to the grounds before brewing. Add 1 - 1&1/2 ounces of Rye, Bourbon, or Whiskey. (You probably should leave that last ingredient out of your morning coffee, especially if you are on your way to work.) Drink up and enjoy life.

TEA: Brew your tea your favorite way. Whether using pre-measured teabags or ground tea, doesn't really matter. Just be sure the steeping period is adequate enough to bring out the flavor. Add you favorite sweetener. NEVER use artificial sweeteners. Honey (pure is best), or natural sugars (bleached or unbleached). Add touch of lemon if desired. Add half and half creamer if desired. NEVER use artificial creamers, neither powder nor liquid. Add 1 to 1 & 1/2 ounces of Rye, Bourbon, or Whiskey. Drink up and enjoy life.

HERBAL TEA: Any flavor, any brand, as long as all the ingredients are Natural. If they have anything other than 'natural' ingredients listed, pick a brand that does not. Brew and steep according to the directions of the package. When making herbal tea i always use 2 bags per cup for a stronger flavor. Add half and half creamer if milk is desired, although i personally do not like the taste of cream or milk in herbal teas. NEVER use artificial creamers, neither liquid nor powder. {artificial creamers and artificial sweeteners contain harmful and unnecessary ingredients which i will be addressing in another hub). Add a sweetener if desired. Pure honey, natural sugar (bleached or unbleached), or pure maple syrup. NEVER use artificial sweeteners. For a variety you can add some mint leaves, or ground mint to the brewing process. But you will have to strain the tea before pouring into your cup. Add 1 to 1& 1/2 ounces of Rye, Bourbon or Whiskey. Drink up and enjoy life.

P.S.: Obviously these drinks are just as good without the Rye, Bourbon or Whiskey, but probably not as much fun. Use with caution however, too many of these beverages at one sitting can lead to too much fun and frolic. You could become addicted, not only to the drinks themselves, but also to the fun and frolic that comes with their use.

P.S.S.: FACTS to keep in mind. We all know that red wine can be good for you heart and circulation. I just heard on CNN that experts now say that liquor (yes, this includes rye, bourbon and whiskey) actually has beneficial effects on your health as well, even for those that partake more than they probably should. It is good for you heart, circulation, and lowers stress levels, and can ward off high blood pressure. I don't know exactly who these 'experts' are, but i like the concept.

Drink up and enjoy life.

Disclaimer: This article is meant to be amusing, although these recipes are actually very tasty. The video of home wine making is also valid, but if you decide to try it, it will be at your own risk. I take no responsibility for your intoxication and ensuing fun. (or the hangovers the next day).

d.william 09/14/2010 (revised 04/09/2011)