Taos Tea: Altitude Air Stealing Summer Lasers?
By Franklin Everett ShawForget Gatorade. Forget sugary sports drinks. If you’re a Denverite battling the summer heat and high-altitude dehydration, there’s a better, more natural solution rooted in the traditions of the Southwest: Taos Tea. But we’re not just talking about any Taos Tea; we’re talking about a Denver-optimized version, brewed with local ingredients and tweaked for maximum electrolyte replenishment in our unique climate.
Taos Tea, traditionally a blend of black tea, lemon, orange, cinnamon, and cloves, is a time-honored remedy. It’s been used for generations to combat the fatigue and dehydration that come with high-altitude living. However, the traditional recipe can be improved upon for Denver residents.
First, let’s talk ingredients. Sourcing locally not only supports our community but also ensures freshness and often, a higher nutrient content.
Black Tea: Instead of generic tea bags, consider loose-leaf black tea from Celestial Seasonings in Boulder (about a 30-minute drive from Denver). They offer a variety of black teas, including organic options, and you can even take a factory tour! Alternatively, check out local tea shops like The Tea Spot in Louisville for ethically sourced and unique black tea blends.
Citrus: While oranges and lemons aren’t grown locally, you can find high-quality organic options at farmers’ markets like the South Pearl Street Farmers Market (Sundays, May-November) or Union Station Farmers Market (Saturdays, May-October). Organic citrus will minimize your exposure to pesticides.
Cinnamon and Cloves: These spices are readily available at most grocery stores. Look for organic options if possible. Savory Spice Shop in Denver’s Larimer Square offers a wide selection of high-quality spices, allowing you to choose the freshest and most flavorful options.
Honey: This is where Denver shines. Local honey is not only delicious but also contains pollen that can help with seasonal allergies. Visit the Denver Botanic Gardens’ Honey Bee Apiary (seasonal) for a truly local experience and to purchase their honey. Alternatively, check out farmers’ markets or local health food stores for honey from Colorado beekeepers. Avoid processed, mass-produced honey, as it often lacks the beneficial properties of raw, local honey.
Now, let’s get to brewing. The traditional method involves simmering the ingredients together, but we’re going to tweak it for optimal flavor and nutrient retention.
Water Quality: Denver’s tap water is generally safe, but using filtered water will improve the taste of your tea. A simple Brita filter or a reverse osmosis system will do the trick.
Tea Base: Bring 4 cups of filtered water to a near boil (around 200°F or 93°C). Add 2 tablespoons of loose-leaf black tea to a tea infuser or a muslin bag. Steep for 3-5 minutes, depending on your desired strength. Remove the tea leaves to prevent bitterness.
Citrus Infusion: While the tea is steeping, slice one orange and one lemon into thin rounds. Add them to a heat-safe pitcher.
Spice Enhancement: Add 2-3 cinnamon sticks and 4-5 whole cloves to the pitcher with the citrus. Gently muddle the citrus and spices to release their flavors.
Combining and Sweetening: Pour the hot tea over the citrus and spices. Stir in 2-3 tablespoons of local honey, adjusting to your taste. Remember, honey not only sweetens but also provides electrolytes.
Cooling and Serving: Allow the tea to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This allows the flavors to meld and creates a refreshing drink. Serve over ice with a slice of orange or lemon.
But here’s where we take it to the next level for Denver’s unique needs: electrolyte enhancement. Altitude sickness and dehydration are exacerbated by the dry air and increased respiration at higher elevations. Simply drinking more water isn’t always enough; you need to replenish lost electrolytes.
Here are a few DIY electrolyte additions you can incorporate into your Taos Tea:
Pinch of Himalayan Pink Salt: This adds sodium, a crucial electrolyte lost through sweat. Start with a very small pinch (1/8 teaspoon) per serving and adjust to taste. Too much salt will make the tea unpalatable.
Magnesium Flakes: Magnesium is essential for muscle function and energy production. Add a small amount of magnesium flakes (1/4 teaspoon) to the tea. You can find magnesium flakes at most health food stores.
Potassium-Rich Additions: Coconut water is a natural source of potassium. Add 1/2 cup of coconut water to the pitcher of Taos Tea. Alternatively, you can add a squeeze of lemon juice, which contains small amounts of potassium.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them:
Over-Steeping the Tea: This results in a bitter and unpleasant taste. Stick to the recommended steeping time of 3-5 minutes.
Using Too Much Honey: While honey is beneficial, too much can make the tea overly sweet and negate its health benefits. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
Ignoring Water Quality: Denver’s tap water can sometimes have a chlorine taste. Using filtered water will significantly improve the flavor of your tea.
Not Adjusting for Altitude: Denver’s altitude requires more hydration and electrolyte replenishment than lower elevations. Be sure to incorporate electrolyte additions into your Taos Tea.
Forgetting to Cool the Tea: Hot tea can be dehydrating. Allow the tea to cool completely before drinking it.
Real-World Scenario:
Imagine you’re planning a hike in Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Before you go, brew a batch of Denver-optimized Taos Tea with added Himalayan pink salt and coconut water. Pack it in a reusable water bottle and sip it throughout your hike. The tea will not only keep you hydrated but also provide the electrolytes you need to combat altitude sickness and muscle fatigue.
By following these steps and adapting the traditional Taos Tea recipe to Denver’s unique environment, you can create a delicious and effective beverage that will help you stay hydrated, energized, and healthy all summer long. So ditch the sugary drinks and embrace the power of local ingredients and time-honored traditions. Your body will thank you.