Floral waters, or hydrolates, have been known to mankind for more than 5000 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 physician Avicenna, the “father of medicine” Hippocrates, and the Egyptian queen Cleopatra. They have accompanied humanity in cooking for centuries. In the 18th century, they were even a common part of kitchens. Nowadays, we are returning to their magic. The most famous are undoubtedly rose, lavender, and mint water.
Floral waters or herbal espressos
You may be surprised to learn that almost every hydrolate has its own culinary magic. In addition to desserts, we also use them when stewing 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 flavors, floral waters are called “herbal espressos”. Compared to a cup of infusion/tea, the same herbs are many times stronger! Enjoy their beauty in three unconventional non-alcoholic summer drinks that you can prepare with us for the whole family :-)
Queen of England's Pink Iced Tea
First, we will prepare a delicious and very aromatic iced tea in an unconventional version. It is based on the classic “Iced tea” recipe, which is based on 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 BIO Damask rose flower water. Then we added a few more flavors and aromas that are unmistakably associated with this country, namely fresh mint and lemons, without which iced tea is almost impossible to imagine.
We will need:
1 handful of fresh chopped mint
1 orange, sliced
1 lemon, sliced
200 ml strong black tea
4 PL organic rose water Damask rose
3 tablespoons of maple syrup
Top up with 1 liter of sparkling water
Led Modules
Approach:
Brew some strong black tea. Let it cool. Then pour it into a pitcher. Add sliced citrus, organic rose water, maple syrup, fresh chopped mint and top 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 perfect for an unexpected visit from children. It is full of vitamins and has a magical pink aroma. We can play around with its 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 organic rose water
A handful of small fruit
Sparkling water to taste (dilute the orange juice to your preference)
Lots of ice
Approach:
Mix the ingredients in a glass jug, pour into a glass, you can also decorate with a sliced strawberry and orange on the rim 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 great with rose water.
Mint lemonade
Next comes the favorite of summer refreshment, cooling aromatic mint water in an effective lemonade. Because what goes better together than mint and lemon?! You will simply love this drink! It is simple, quick and popular. Surprise your relatives and friends with it at a summer party, "barbecue" or picnic.
We will need:
500 ml sparkling water (you can use still water for children)
1-2 teaspoons 100% peppermint flower water
2-3 tablespoons of cane sugar or honey
1 lemon, sliced
Led Modules
Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Approach:
Put everything in a jug, 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 hydrosols expert S. Catty in her book Hydrosols The Next Aromatherapy).
Expect the next installment of the summer beverage series with floral waters soon.
100% floral water made with love and maximum care in the EU, without chemicals or preservatives buy here.
Do you like to experiment? Prepare other unconventional, fragrant dishes with us. You will find them in this section of the blog.
