The Wins:
Cooling & Refreshing (& no hangover)
GF, DF, Vegan
The prettiest mocktail at the party
I love a great cocktail, don’t get me wrong. But, it’s not about the buzz, it’s the creating, the mix of flavors, the glass, the garnish. And sitting down with loved ones to talk and just, be. A great margarita or a smooth Old Fashioned are two of my favorites. But, alas, mid-life me, my mid-life hormones, and my mid-life lack of sleep, do not enjoy a good cocktail. I still crave that slow sip from a pretty glass on a gorgeous summer evening.
If you’ve flipped through previous recipes on here or followed me for awhile, you’ll note that I love to use Rose in my cooking. The gentle sweet floral herb makes a great pairing with everything from dessert to cocktails to salads. Rose, as a medicinal herb, has long been prized not only for its aromatherapy benefits but also for it’s cooling and refreshing abilities. Paired with zingy lemon, it’s the perfect ‘pink lemonade’.
Additionally, rose has been long used as a calming agent. Helping to soothe anxieties, worries, and open the heart, this flower is a power house of uses.
Now, don’t get me wrong, a little goes a long way and in this, we’re using dried organic red petals and creating a quick steep tea. Oils and rose water are usually significantly stronger and would just overpower the lemon.
Rose Lemonade
Step 1: Make the Rose Tea
- 1/2 cup organic red rose petals. ENSURE your petals are organic and have never been sprayed with pesticides. (I like Mountain Rose Herbs)
- 2 cups boiling water
Pour hot water over petals and let steep while you prep the rest.
Step 2: Make the garnish
- Zest of 1 large lemon
- 1 tablespoon raw or larger crystal cane sugar
- 3-4 sprigs mint, thin sliced lemons, and sprigs of Lemon Thyme, if available. Regular thyme would work just fine as well.
Combine zest and sugar, mix well, add in a sprinkle of thyme and mix again. Set aside.
Step 3: Make the Lemonade
- 3 large lemons or about 1/2 cup lemon juice
- 1/2-3/4 cup superfine sugar (superfine is key to quick dissolving). You can also use honey or agave in place here but the clarity of the lemonade will be diminished.
- 2 cups cold water
Roll and juice the lemons, strain into pitcher and add the slightly cooled rose tea. Add the sugar, stir until dissolved and add the cold water. Rim glass with lemon wedge, dip in lemon sugar. Add ice and pour lemonade over, garnishing with sliced lemon, mint and thyme sprigs.
This makes an amazing mocktail but also: an equally to die for margarita. If you’re looking for the best pool side sip, this is your prettiest go to.
Want to see this in action? Watch the video on TikTok and follow me @EoEricaEats
EoErica 