Flower waters, or hydrosols, have been known to mankind for more than 5,000 years. Since the very beginning of distillation, they have been widely used as flavorings for food and drinks. Before our era, they were used by the Persian doctor Avicenna, the “father of medicine” Hippocrates and the Egyptian queen Cleopatra. It has accompanied mankind for many centuries in cooking. In 18. century they were even a common part of kitchens. Nowadays, we are returning to their magic again. The most known are rose, lavender and mint water.
Flower waters or herbal espressos
It may surprise you that almost every hydrosol has its own culinary charm. In addition to desserts, we will also use them to stew meat and vegetables, to flavor sauces, vegetable and fruit salads, and to prepare delicious drinks and smoothies. Due to the intensity of their aroma and taste, flower waters are called “herbal espresso”. Compared to a cup of infusion/tea, the same herbs are many times stronger! Enjoy their beauty in three non-traditional non-alcoholic summer drinks that you can prepare with us for the whole family :-)
English Queen’s Rose Iced Tea
First, we will prepare a delicious and very aromatic iced tea in a non-traditional design. It is based on the classic “Iced tea” recipe, which is based on the strong black tea, we recommend the so-called English Breakfast Tea. And it was Great Britain, with its ornamental rose gardens, that inspired us to use the intoxicating aroma of organic Damask rose flower water. Then we added a few more flavors and aromas that are unmistakably associated with this country, i.e. fresh mint and lemons, without which iced tea is almost impossible to imagine.
We will need:
1 handful fresh chopped mint
1 orange cut into slices
1 lemon cut into slices
200 ml of strong black tea
4 Tbsp organic rose water Damask rose
3 tablespoons of maple syrup
Add 1 liter of sparkling water
Ice
Method:
Make a strong black tea. Let it cool. Then pour it into a jar. Add sliced citrus, organic rose water, maple syrup, fresh chopped mint and top up with 1 liter of sparkling water. If you have time, let it rest for at least 30 minutes before adding ice and serving.
Oranges on Roses
This cheerful and colorful summer drink is ideal for an unexpected visit from children. It is full of vitamins and a magical rose aroma. Be creative with the decoration and use the fruits that the current summer months bring us.
We will need:
500 ml orange juice (ideally from freshly squeezed oranges)
1/2 shot of organic rose water
A handful of small fruit
Sparkling water (to dilute orange juice according to your preferences)
Lots of ice
Method:
Mix the individual ingredients in a glass jar, pour into a glass, you can also decorate with a sliced strawberry and an orange on the edge of the glass. Enjoy an aromatic summer drink with the whole family. A little tip at the end – Adults can add sparkling sweet wine, which goes well with rose water.
Mint Lemonade
Next comes the favorite summer refreshment, cooling aromatic mint water in an effective lemonade. Because what goes better than mint and lemon?! You will simply love this drink! It’s simple, fast and popular. Surprise your relatives and friends with it at a summer party, barbecue or picnic.
We will need:
500 ml of sparkling water (you can use still water for children)
1-2 teaspoons of 100% peppermint flower water
2-3 spoons of cane sugar or honey
1 lemon cut into slices
Ice
Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Method:
Put everything in a jar, stir and pour into glasses. If you are preparing it for children, reduce the amount of mint water to 1 teaspoon and do not offer this lemonade to children under 3 years of age (As recommended by hydrosol expert S. Catty in her book Hydrosols The Next Aromatherapy).
Expect the next part of the summer drink series with flower waters soon.
Do you like to experiment? Prepare other non-traditional aromatic dishes with us. You can find them in this section of the blog .
