Saffron and Rose Infused Lemonade
Saffron and Rose Infused Lemonade is a refreshing summer beverage. This delicious homemade lemonade is the best thirst quencher.
Servings: 4
Calories: 210kcal
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice about 3-4 lemons
- 1 cup sugar adjust per taste
- ¼ teaspoon Saffron strands
- 1 tablespoon rose water
- ⅛ teaspoon crushed cardamom seeds
- Pinch of salt
- 5 cups water divided. 1 cup for simple syrup + 4 cups for lemonade
- Ice
Instructions
MAKE SIMPLE SUGAR SYRUP ON STOVE TOP
- Place sugar, saffron, crushed cardamom seeds and water in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Heat until sugar is completely dissolved, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Let it cool down. Add the rose water and pinch of salt. Pour the syrup into a glass mason jar and store it in the refrigerator. It’s best to chill it completely before making the lemonade.
IF YOU WANT TO MAKE SIMPLE SUGAR SYRUP IN INSTANTPOT :
- Add sugar, saffron and water to the pressure cooker pot and whisk to combine. Secure the lid and turn pressure release knob to a sealed position. Cook at high pressure for 1 minute. When cooking is complete, use a quick release.
TO MAKE THE LEMONADE
- To make a full batch of Lemonade, fill a pitcher with 4 cups of cold water and lots of crushed ice. Add the lemon juice and chilled saffron simple syrup. Stir well to combine. Serve cold. To make smaller, individualized portions, add 2 tablespoons of the lemon juice and saffron sugar syrup to 1 cup of ice water. Taste and add more syrup or water to adjust the taste. Enjoy!
Notes
I prefer to add fresh lemon juice after the simple syrup is boiled and cooled. It adds instant freshness and reduces bitter aftertaste.
I highly recommend you make the flavored sugar syrup a day in advance. Overnight infusion helps build the robust flavors.
You can also make a big batch of concentrated syrup and freeze it for later use. Freeze it in ice cubes so it's easier to defrost and make a quick drink.
Since saffron, rose and cardamom are all strong flavors, using a little goes long way. It however creates a complex flavorful lemonade that is refreshing and intriguing all at once.
Nutrition
Serving: 1cup | Calories: 210kcal | Carbohydrates: 54g | Sodium: 49mg | Sugar: 52g