Sumac-ade (Staghorn Sumac Lemonade)

Ingredients:

yields ~1 gallon of Sumac-ade

• 200 g fresh Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina) berries (~5 large fruit clusters) or 100 g dried Staghorn Sumac berries
• 4 quarts fresh water
• Optional additions:
  • ~25-50 g dried aromatic herbs (double for fresh)
    • linden blossom, lemon balm leaf, lemon verbena leaf, chamomile flower, elderflower
• 1-2 cups honey (or maple syrup)

Instructions

• If using fresh sumac berries, make sure to separate the berries from the stalk (inner berries may be more tart than outer, and exposing the surface area of all berries will ensure a brighter and zestier final batch).
• Toss all the ingredients together in a 1-gal glass jar filled with water.
• Pop a lid on the jar and screw tight before shaking up the jar to incorporate and ensure all of the herbs are moistened.
• Leave on your counter overnight (24 hours is ideal), then strain through a cheesecloth.
• Add your sweetener of choice and stir.
• Refrigerate to chill and serve!