La Lavanda Recipe
LAVENDER BLENDED, WITH ELDERBERRY CITRUS AND A TOUCH OF HONEY TEA
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Ingredients
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Tea Base
Elderberry-Citrus Syrup
Finish & Garnish
Method
Tea Base
- 1
Heat water
Bring 4 cups of water to a gentle boil (about 200°F / 93°C). If using green tea, remove from heat just before a full boil to avoid bitterness (around 175°F / 80°C).
- 2
- 3
Add tea
After 5 minutes, add 2 teaspoons of loose black or green tea to the lavender infusion. Cover and steep: 3–4 minutes for black tea, 2–3 minutes for green tea. Taste to avoid oversteeping.
- 4
Strain
Strain the infusion through a fine mesh sieve or tea strainer into a heatproof pitcher, discarding the used lavender and tea leaves. Keep warm if serving hot, or cool slightly for iced service.
Elderberry-Citrus Syrup
- 5
Simmer elderberries
Combine 1 ounce dried (or frozen) elderberries with 1 cup water in a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- 6
Reduce and extract
Simmer lightly, uncovered, for 10–12 minutes, mashing the berries occasionally to release color and flavor. The liquid should reduce slightly and become deep purple.
- 7
Strain syrup
Strain the elderberry liquid through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a bowl, pressing on solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard solids.
- 8
Add citrus and honey
Return the strained elderberry liquid to the saucepan, add 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice and 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice. Warm gently (do not boil) and whisk in 3 tablespoons honey until fully dissolved. Taste and adjust sweetness. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Finish & Serve
- 9
Combine tea and syrup
Stir 3/4 to 1 cup of the elderberry-citrus syrup into the prepared lavender tea. Start with 3/4 cup, taste, and add up to 1 cup for a more pronounced elderberry flavor. For a sweeter drink, stir in extra honey to taste (about 1/2 tablespoon if desired).
- 10
- 11
Storage
Refrigerate any leftover elderberry-citrus syrup in a sealed container for up to 7 days. Store brewed tea separately for up to 48 hours in the fridge; recombine and serve chilled or gently reheated.