Artichoke Bitters - Makes 1 pint

Artichokes and bitters are detoxifying, increase bile flow, help with digestion, and reduce cholesterol. They contain vitamins C and A, potassium, iron, and antioxidants. They are also high in polyphenols, which help repair damaged cells and improve immune function. 

Ingredients:

The peel from one small lemon, lime, or orange peel

5 juniper berries

3 or 4 large artichoke leaves

1 small rosemary sprig with flowers, about 2 to 3 inches

2 cloves, and a pinch of cinnamon

1 ½ cups vodka

Directions:

1. Remove leaves from branches and chop leaves coarsely. Add to a mason jar with orange peel.
2. Crush juniper berries and cloves with the back of a small saucepan or using a mortar and pestle.
3. Add remaining ingredients, add a lid, and store in a cool dark place for 2 to 4 weeks, shaking the bottle almost daily. Allow it to sit until you like the strength of the tonic.
4. Strain herbs using a funnel that is set in a large glass and draped with damp cheesecloth - getting the cheesecloth wet and wringing it out will allow the liquid to go right through and not absorb into the cheesecloth. 
5. Store in amber glass bottles with a dropper top, link below. Store away from heat, and it will last for 10 years!

• Add to your drinking water, tea or beverage of choice. Use in an aperitif before dinner to get your digestion going.

Buy Amber glass bottles with a dropper top
Artichoke Bitters Recipe courtesy of Carin, herb farmer, herbalist, and co-owner of  Blossom’s Farm in Aromas, California, where they offer fabulous natural health and skin care products at www.blossomsfarm.com.