Oxymels, a type of sipping vinegar,  make for a delightful and healthy way to incorporate the benefits of herbs into your daily routine. These tangy concoctions, made from a blend of vinegar, honey, and herbs, can support digestion and promote healthy skin. Whether you’re adding them to mocktails, cocktails, or enjoying them on their own, oxymels offer a unique and versatile addition to your diet. With spring in full bloom, it’s the perfect time to use fresh, seasonal plants like dandelion, nettles, burdock, sage, and oregano to create your own homemade sipping vinegar.

Spring Greens Oxymel Recipe

Ingredients:

• Fresh or dried organic dandelion leaves and flowers
• Fresh or dried organic nettle leaf
• Fresh or dried organic burdock root
• Fresh or dried organic sage
• Fresh or dried oregano
• Apple cider vinegar
• Raw honey

Equipment:

• Large non-reactive pot
• 1/2-gallon glass jar
• Cheesecloth
• Strainer

How to create a delicious and wellness-supporting sipping vinegar with your favorite spring plants:

1. Prepare the Ingredients
   Gather your fresh or dried herbs (dandelion, nettles, burdock, sage, and oregano). If using fresh, rinse them thoroughly to remove dirt and debris.
   
   
2. Combine Ingredients
   Add the herbs to a non-reactive pot. Pour in apple cider vinegar until the herbs are fully submerged. A ratio of 4 ounces of herbs to 64 ounces of vinegar is a good mix, but you can adjust it to your preferences. 
   
   
3. Heat the Mixture
   Bring the mixture to a gentle boil for a few minutes, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 1 hour. This helps the vinegar extract the beneficial properties of the herbs.
   
   
4. Cool the Mixture
   After simmering, remove the pot from the heat and allow the mixture to cool to at least room temperature.
   
   
5. Strain the Herbs
   Use a strainer lined with cheesecloth to separate the herbs from the vinegar. Pour the liquid into a clean container, discarding the plant matter.
   
   
6. Sweeten the Vinegar
   Return the vinegar to a low heat and slowly stir in raw honey. Continue stirring until the honey is fully dissolved into the vinegar. Adjust the amount of honey to taste—start with a small amount and add more as needed. For the above ratio of 4 ounces of herb to 64 ounces of vinegar, a good starting place for honey is about 18 ounces.
   
   
7. Cool and Store
   Once the honey has dissolved, let the mixture cool completely to room temperature. Transfer the finished oxymel to a clean jar for storage.
   
   

Optional No-Heat Method
By heating the herbs and vinegar, you will cook off some of the beneficial qualities of the vinegar. However, this method does help to extract more from the herbs. If you prefer, you can combine the fresh herbs and vinegar in a jar, seal it, and let it infuse at room temperature for 30 days. Strain the herbs, then add honey to the vinegar.  

How to Use Oxymels

In addition to adding a splash of your oxymel to a glass of water and enjoying it in its pure form, herbal vinegars are incredibly versatile and can elevate a variety of beverages and culinary dishes. Here are some creative ways to use your homemade oxymel:

• • Mocktails:
    • Add 1–2 Tbsp. of your sipping vinegar to sparkling water for a refreshing, soda-like drink.
    • Mix it with freshly squeezed lemonade for a tart and sweet springtime treat.
    • Combine it with herbal teas (served hot or iced) for a flavorful twist.
      
      
  • Cocktails:
    • Use your oxymel as a tangy base for a whiskey sour or gin fizz.
    • Add a splash to a vodka soda with a squeeze of lime for a bright and zesty cocktail.
    • Mix it into a Bloody Mary for an herbal, savory kick.
      
      
  • Salad Dressings:
    • Mix your herbal oxymel with some olive oil and additional spices if desired for a bright and tangy dressing for salad greens or veggies. 
      
      

Making a sipping vinegar with spring plants is an easy and rewarding way to enjoy the season’s bounty while reaping the health benefits of herbs. Oxymels are simple to prepare, endlessly customizable, and add a tangy, refreshing element to drinks of all kinds. Whether you’re a fan of mocktails, cocktails, or sipping straight from the spoon, this traditional recipe is a fun and flavorful project to try at home. So grab your favorite spring herbs and start crafting your own unique blend today!

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