Saffron Ice Tea

 

7 July 

After a few sharp spells of rain, and what seemed like the monsoons were here, the rain has completely vanished from Pune. I see rainclouds crowding the peaks of the hillocks in the faraway horizon, and then raining as well, but none of that comes inside the city. Sinhagad Fort is partially visible from my home and on most days it just vanishes behind those clouds. Its a treat to watch but then I keep hoping that some of that rain pays us a visit at times. 

I was all set with my monsoon menus in July but since there is no rain and its still quite hot in the day, my love for summer drinks is still going strong. One of these days while I was neck deep in work and needed a water break, I went to the kitchen and on a whim made some saffron ice tea. It was quick , easy and refreshing. And I must say I was mighty pleased with the colour.

I mean look at that color! Doesn't it look tempting? They say we first eat with our eyes then with our mouth. I felt so happy how beautiful it looked and that heavenly aroma of saffron! It is something to cherish for sure. No wonder saffron is known as the 'sunshine spice'!

This concoction is perfect for the summers when you need your body to be hydrated all day long. Since now a days we are so much into flavored waters, this ice tea with the health benefits of saffron is definitely a winner. 

I was making this as part of a collaboration I had with Herbi Cure brand. But I must say I was quite happy with the aroma of the saffron filaments. And when it was infused with water, the flavors were more robust. 

I went ahead and added a pinch of turmeric to the saffron tea, for the added colour and to boost the immunity level. But that is entirely optional. If you are one who hates the smell of turmeric in their drink, skip it. Saffron itself will make it a soothing drink.

Checkout other beverage recipes on my blog:

• Persian Saffron Milkshake
• Strawberry Ghol 

Preparation Time : 10 minutes

Chilling Time : 2-3 hours

Ingredients :

• Saffron - 1/2 tsp
• Granulated Sugar - 1 tsp *
• Turmeric - a pinch (optional)
• Warm Water - 2 tbsp
• Drinking Water - 250 ml

Ingredients :

• Jug
• Large Mixing Bowl

Procedure:  

1. Grind the saffron and sugar to a fine powder using a mortar and pestle. Transfer it to a  large mixing bowl

2. Add the warm water to the powdered mixture and let it infuse for about 10 minutes.

3. Add the turmeric and drinking water and give it a stir. 

Note: Turmeric is optional. But I wanted to add an extra hint of healthy ingredient.

4. Refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours. 

Note: This refrigerates for a day or 2 maximum. So consume within that time.

Serve it chilled with ice or as is. You can add a few strands of saffron for garnish.

Alternative Method:  

Grind the saffron filaments into a fine powder with a pinch of sugar, using a mortar and pestle. 

Steep Darjeeling tea, lemon slices, ginger (optional)  in hot water for few minutes. Add powdered saffron and steep further and sweeten it with honey. Chill and serve.