Nuoc Mat Artichoke Pandan Iced Tea Recipe

I love this recipe because it blends the unique flavors of artichoke and pandan into a refreshing iced tea that’s both soothing and invigorating. Plus, it’s a simple and natural way to impress my friends with something they’ve probably never tasted before, especially when garnished with lime and mint!

I adore making invigorating drinks, and my iced tea made from artichoke flowers and pandan leaves is a real showstopper. I adore making invigorating drinks, and my iced tea made from artichoke flowers and pandan leaves is a real showstopper.

I don’t think you’re ready for this one. It’s really no more than a tea and some classic cocktail ingredients, but what you end up with is this refreshing elixir you can sip at any time of day.

Definitely not your grandma’s iced tea.

Ingredients

Flowers of the Artichoke, Dried: High in antioxidants; good for digestion and liver health.

Leaves of Pandan: Naturally aromatic; they impart a vanilla-like fragrance and a subtly sweet flavor.

Sweetness is the main contribution of sugar.

It also balances the flavors derived from herbs and plants.

Cubed Ice: Chills the drink; gives intense freeze for sweltering days.

Lime wedges: An optional garnish that adds bright citrus and a tasty twang.

Fresh mint leaves: An optional garnish; it gives a cooling, refreshing aroma.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 dried artichoke flowers
• 3 pandan leaves, tied in a knot
• 1/3 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
• 8 cups water
• Ice cubes, for serving
• Lime wedges, for garnish (optional)
• Fresh mint leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Wash the artichoke flowers that have been dried to remove any dust or dirt.

2. In a large pot, place the artichoke flowers that have been rinsed and 8 cups of water.

3. Place the pandan leaves into the saucepan, making sure that they are completely underwater.

4. Over medium-high heat, bring the combination to a full boil.

5. When the water is vigorously bubbling, turn it down to a low heat and let it bubble just under the surface for about half an hour to 45 minutes—until the artichokes feel tender when pierced with a knife and the broth is fragrant and flavorful.

6. Take the pot off the heat and pour the liquid into a large pitcher or bowl, straining it first to discard the solids.

7. While the tea is still warm, stir in the sugar, adjusting to taste.

8. Permit the tea to attain room temperature, and then place it in the refrigerator until it is cold.

9. Pour the iced tea into a glass that is filled with ice cubes to serve.

10. If you wish, you can dress it up with wedges of lime and sprigs of fresh mint; either way, revel in the refreshing cold-brew tea of artichokes, pandan, and Nuoc Mat.

Equipment Needed

1. Large pot
2. Saucepan
3. Knife
4. Strainer
5. Large pitcher or bowl
6. Stirring spoon
7. Glass for serving

FAQ

• What is Nuoc Mat Artichoke Pandan Iced Tea?It is a delicious Vietnamese herbal tea made with artichoke flowers and pandan leaves, known for their cooling properties and delicate flavor.
• Can I use fresh artichoke instead of dried?It is recommended that the flowers be used in their dried form for maximum taste and flavor potency, but they can be employed in their fresh form as well. Use the boil method with a longer boiling time to achieve similar flavor extraction.
• What do pandan leaves add to the recipe?The tea gains an additional flavor from the sweet, floral aroma that the pandan imparts. Overall, the very profile of the tea is enhanced.
• How can I adjust the sweetness?Begin with 1/3 cup of sugar, and then adjust the quantity based on your taste and health prerogatives. Whether you add more or decrease the amount used, you can easily satisfy your sweet tooth.
• Is the tea served hot or cold?Artichoke pandan iced tea is usually served cold over ice cubes as a drink.
• What other garnishes can be used?You can use slices of lemon or even a sprig of lemongrass for extra flavor, apart from lime wedges and mint.
• How long can I store this tea?Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Serve best when chilled.

Substitutions and Variations

You can use artichoke tea bags instead of dried artichoke flowers.
A few drops of pandan extract can take the place of pandan leaves.
Substitute honey or a sugar alternative such as stevia for sugar, adjusting to your taste.
Wedges of lime can be replaced with wedges of lemon if a different citrus note is desired.
Basil leaves could be substituted for fresh mint to add a distinctive and unusual flavor.

Pro Tips

1. Enhance Flavor with Toasted Pandan Before adding the pandan leaves to the pot, try lightly toasting them in a dry pan for a minute or two until fragrant. This can enhance the depth of flavor in your tea.

2. Adjust Sweetness with Simple Syrup Instead of adding granulated sugar, consider making a simple syrup by dissolving sugar in a small amount of warm water. This allows the sugar to incorporate more evenly, making it easier to adjust the sweetness to your liking.

3. Experiment with Citrus While lime wedges are suggested, try experimenting with different citrus garnishes like lemon or even orange for a subtle variation in flavor that complements the tea’s refreshing qualities.

4. Infuse Additional Herbs Along with mint, consider adding a few fresh basil leaves or lemongrass stalks during the simmering process for a unique herbal twist. Remove them before straining to avoid overpowering the delicate balance of flavors.

5. Chill Effectively For faster chilling, divide the strained tea into smaller containers and place them in an ice bath before transferring to the refrigerator. This method allows the tea to cool quickly and maintain its refreshing taste.