How to make syrups and cordials
Most edible flowers can be used to make delicious sorbets or as cordials for delicious drinks. In early summer, the flowers of lilac and elderflower are magnificent. In high summer, sweet honeysuckle, rose and jasmine are best. Pour two cups of just-boiled water into a heatproof bowl containing one cup of freshly picked edible flowers (if you like a citrus note, add an unwaxed lemon peel too) and leave at room temperature for 12 to 36 hours. Strain into a pan, making sure you squeeze out all the liquid from the flowers. Add a cup of caster sugar (you can also add lemon juice) and cook over low heat for three to five minutes, until the syrup boils and the sugar dissolves. Pour into sterilized bottles and refrigerate for one month. This measurement can be adjusted depending on the flower you use and how sweet you want the syrup to be.
coolers
A refreshing summer iced tea can be made with chilled herbal infusions or syrups (see instructions for both above). Alternatively, whip up a jug of cooler by submerging the herbs (and maybe even the fruit) in water and leave for an hour or so to infuse flavor before serving over ice. You can also blitz the whole lot in a blender for a slush puppy effect. Blackcurrant leaves have a green, earthy flavor; apple mint (Mentha suaveolens) is a sweet apple-flavored mint; and the Korean Mint (Agastache rugosa) is refreshing and can soothe a hangover. Pair them with your favorite fruits, such as cucumber, strawberry, lime or watermelon. Try interesting flavor combinations – for example, peach and thyme or pear and rosemary.
Lemonade
Make homemade lemonade for summer gatherings. Blend one cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice, one-half cup of agave syrup, and three cups of water, adjusting the measure to your preferred sour-to-sweetness ratio. Add garden herbs to create an interesting flavor – for example, lavender flowers, bergamot (Monarda) leaves, mint, basil, lemon verbena, or lemon thyme. The lemonade will keep in the fridge for up to a week and can be used to mix up easy, delicious cocktails by adding alcohol. Try mixing limoncello, St. Germain, prosecco and sparkling (or soda) water for a zingy sunshine spritz.
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