If any cocktail needs to be made by the pitcher, this one is it! Beyond it being a crowd pleaser of a beverage, couldn’t everyone use a little more zen in their lives? Not sure if it can promise full enlightenment, but certainly relaxation; maybe even a dose of letting go of that which you can not change…
The flavours of this concoction are lovely, with just enough sweetness and sparkle from the elderflower water, mingling with your favourite green tea. I use Tazo Zen — a not-too-grassy green, but it’s worth experimenting with the array of green teas available.
Zen Lemonade
For a pitcher (~6 drinks):
- 1 cup green tea (any kind, but Tazo Zen is perfect)
- 1 cup simple syrup
- 1-1/2 cups gin (Georgian Bay is lovely)
- 1 cup fresh-squeezed lemon juice
- 2 cups sparkling Elderflower water
- Lemon for garnish
- Steep tea per normal method; allow to cool
- Make simple syrup (boil 2 c water & 2 c sugar; remove from heat as soon as it hits boil); allow to cool
- In pitcher, stir first four ingredients; refridgerate
- Just prior to serving, add Elderflower water
- Pour in highball with ice
- Garnish with lemon wheel
Song Pairing: Pinch Me, Bare Naked Ladies
It’s a perfect time of year…