Guide to Flower Varieties for Flavouring Soda Water or Lemonade
Infusing soda water or lemonade with floral notes can elevate your beverages, adding elegance and unique flavours. Here is a selection of edible flowers that can enhance your drinks:
1. Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
Flavour Profile: Sweet, floral, and slightly herbaceous.
Usage: Add a few sprigs of fresh lavender or a teaspoon of dried lavender buds to your lemonade or soda water. Steep in boiling water for a lavender infusion, then strain and mix for a refreshing twist.
2. Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa)
Flavour Profile: Tart and cranberry-like flavour.
Usage: Dried hibiscus flowers can be steeped in hot water to create a vibrant tea-like base. Cool and mix with soda water for a refreshing, pink beverage.
3. Elderflower (Sambucus nigra)
Flavour Profile: Delicate, sweet, and floral.
Usage: Fresh elderflowers can be steeped in cold water or mixed into lemonade, or you could use elderflower cordial. Combine with soda water for a light, refreshing drink.
4. Rose (Rosa spp.)
Flavour Profile: Fragrant and sweet, with notes of fruit and spice.
Usage: Use rose petal syrup or crush fresh rose petals and infuse them in your drink. The syrup adds sweetness, while petals contribute to an aromatic finish.
5. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)
Flavour Profile: Mildly sweet with apple-like notes.
Usage: Brew chamomile tea and let it cool before mixing with lemonade or soda water. The gentle flavour complements citrus well.
6. Mint (Mentha spp.)
Flavour Profile: Refreshing and cool with a sweet undertone.
Usage: While not a flower, mint leaves can be muddled and infused into your drink, providing a fresh contrast to sweet and tangy flavours.
7. Borage (Borago officinalis)
Flavour Profile: Mild cucumber-like flavour.
Usage: Add fresh borage flowers to your drink for both visual appeal and a subtle taste reminiscent of cucumber, perfect for summer beverages.
8. Jasmine (Jasminum spp.)
Flavour Profile: Sweet and highly fragrant.
Usage: Use jasmine tea as a base or steep fresh jasmine flowers to infuse their scent and flavour into your drink. It pairs beautifully with lemonade.
Tips for Using Flowers in Beverages:
Always use edible flowers: Ensure the flowers are labelled safe for consumption and free from pesticides.
Fresh vs. dried: Fresh flowers often impart a more vibrant flavour, while dried options can provide a concentrated essence.
Infusion time: The longer the infusion, the stronger the flavour. Start with short durations and adjust to taste.
Presentation: Garnish your drinks with fresh flowers for an aesthetically pleasing touch.
By utilising these floral varieties, you can create unique, refreshing drinks that are visually stunning and full of depth. Enjoy experimenting with different combinations to find your perfect blend!
