Hello, dear readers!
Today, I'm thrilled to introduce you to a delightful drink that has become my personal favourite — the soothing and refreshing Chamomile Lemonade. This drink, a heartening fusion of traditional and contemporary, is steeped in the old-world charm of herbal tea and is given a zesty, contemporary twist with the addition of lemons.
The humble origins of this delightful recipe are rooted in the Mediterranean region where chamomile has been a staple ingredient in local cuisines and healing remedies for centuries. With its calming properties and distinct floral undertones, chamomile tea has always been beloved by people across cultures and continents.
On the other hand, lemonade, as we all know, has its origins in ancient Egypt. It was a favoured drink even in the royal court of the Pharaohs. The refreshing blend of water, lemon, and suagr, with its sweet, tangy taste, proved to be a perfect antidote to the intense Egyptian heat.
Now, imagine combining these two magnificent recipes to create a perfect symphony of flavours. Yes, our Chamomile Lemonade does just that! It's a fascinating melange of the mild, earthy flavour of chamomile and the fresh, citrusy punch of lemon. Not only does this recipe make for an incredibly refreshing drink, but it also packs a powerful health punch with its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and calming properties.
Let's dive right into the recipe. Here's what you'll need:
Ingredients
- 5 tablespoons of Sip Steeple chamomile flowers
- 1 litre of water
- 4 large lemons
- 100 grams of caster sugar
- Ice cubes for serving
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
- Lemon slices for garnish
Equipment
- Tea kettle or pot
- Large heatproof pitcher
- Juicer (optional)
- Strainer
Instructions
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Start by boiling the litre of water using a kettle or a pot.
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While waiting for the water to boil, juice the lemons. You should aim for approximately 200ml of lemon juice. Keep the spent lemon halves; we'll use these later.
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Put the chamomile flowers into a large heatproof pitcher. Pour the boiling water over the tea, then add the spent lemon halves. Let this mixture steep for about 10 minutes.
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While the tea is steeping, make the sugar syrup. Combine the caster sugar with 100ml of water in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until the sugar has fully dissolved, then remove the saucepan from the heat and set aside.
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Once the tea has steeped, strain the mixture to remove the loose chamomile flowers and lemon halves.
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Add the lemon juice and sugar syrup to the chamomile tea. Stir thoroughly to ensure everything is well combined.
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Let the chamomile lemonade cool at room temperature, then refrigerate it for a few hours until chilled.
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Serve your chamomile lemonade over ice, garnished with fresh mint leaves and a slice of lemon.
This chamomile lemonade is a wonderful refresher on a hot day, but it's also a delightful treat on cooler days, bringing a touch of summer cheer no matter the weather. The calming effects of chamomile coupled with the bright tartness of lemons make this a wonderful addition to any occasion.
Embrace the rhythm of nature in your kitchen. Let the serenity of chamomile and the vibrance of lemons not only quench your thirst but also soothe your soul. Here's to a refreshed, invigorated you!
