I haven’t been very experimental with drinks. I’m a bit of a classic that way – water, coffee, tea and an occasional fresh glass of juice or soda. I never try the welcome drink at events or browse the mocktail menu at the restaurant.
My first big opportunity in the video-shoot world asked me to develop 14 unique summer cooler recipes, out of which 9 were chosen – such is life! When the lovely guys at SPRIG proposed this, I remained hesitant initially, but since this year is about going out there and doing everything right, I put my head down and got mixing with various ingredients, did a ton of research and a whole bunch of testing and tastings. The shoot took place on the windy beaches of Goa, I worked with some amazing people, and had an experience of a lifetime. Currently a few of those videos are out on YouTube and Facebook, which you can view here.
For someone who doesn’t enjoy being in front of the camera, mocktails and outdoor shoots, I can’t help but be amused at how life sometimes turns out!
Anyways, back to this iced tea. Earl Grey tea and lavender is a combination that you already know takes my fancy (cake) and it’s only natural to convert them into a cold drink to beat this sweltering heat. This recipe however, does come from my cousin, Anjali, my partner-in-crime when I’m upto no good! She is one of Kitchen Therapy’s most ardent fans and always the first to support everything and anything I do.
The Recipe
Serves 4
Ingredients
- 5 cups water
- 2 tea bags or 2 tsp loose leaf tea Earl Grey tea
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp lavender dried buds
- lemon slices
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 tbsp lavender dried buds
Instructions
- In a small sauce pan combine the water, sugar and dried lavender buds and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and continue to simmer. Remove from heat once all the sugar has dissolved and the consistency is of sugar syrup.
- Optional: strain out the lavender buds.
- Boil the 5 cups of water and then remove from heat. Add the tea and steep for 10 minutes.
- Add the baking soda into the serving jug.
- Pour the hot tea into the jug.
- Place in the fridge to cool.
- Add the lavender syrup into the tea jug and squeeze some lemon.
- Add the extra lavender buds into the jug.
- Serve with cold with some ice.
