Awaken your senses with colourful floral drinks

Summer is the perfect time to refresh yourself with delicious, revitalising drinks. But what if you were looking for something a little different this year? Why not try drinks made with exotic, fragrant flowers such as butterfly pea, hibiscus and star anise? In this article, we’ll introduce you to these amazing plants, their health benefits and some recipe ideas for unforgettable summer drinks.

The butterfly pea, also known as Clitoria ternatea, is a tropical flower with vibrant colours. In terms of aroma, the butterfly pea flower has delicate, slightly herbaceous notes. Its fragrance is subtle and sweet, with discreet floral nuances. When used in drinks, it adds a unique visual dimension with its intense blue hue, but can also add a slight herbal note to the overall flavour. It is famous for its ability to naturally tint drinks a beautiful shade of blue.

As well as its visual appeal, the butterfly pea also has health benefits. It’s rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, making it an excellent choice for boosting the immune system and promoting healthy skin. Here’s a simple recipe to try :

Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons dried butterfly pea flowers
– 2 cups hot water
– Juice of 2 lemons
– 1 tablespoon Palm Sugar (if needed)
– 2 cups sparkling water

Instructions:
– Steep the butterfly pea flowers in hot water for 10 minutes.
– Strain the liquid to remove the flowers.
– In a carafe, mix the lemon juice, sugar and sparkling water.
– Add the butterfly pea infusion and stir well.
– Serve on the rocks and garnish with a slice of lemon.
– For an alcoholic version, check out this original cocktail recipe by Season Suppers.

Hibiscus is an exotic flower with vibrant petals that offers a tangy, fruity flavour. Its aromas are characterised by notes of cranberry, raspberry and cherry, with a hint of acidity. The fragrance of hibiscus is both floral and fruity, giving it a pleasant olfactory presence. When used in drinks, hibiscus adds a refreshing acidity and a slightly sweet flavour that gives it a distinctive personality. It is commonly used around the world to make refreshing and invigorating drinks. As well as its delicious taste, hibiscus has many health benefits. It is rich in vitamin C, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. Here’s a hibiscus-based recipe for a tasty summer drink:

Ingredients:
– 4 tablespoons dried hibiscus flowers
– 4 cups hot water
– Juice of 2 oranges
– Juice of 2 limes
– 1 tablespoon of Palm Sugar (to taste)
– 1 cup sparkling water

Instructions:
– Steep the hibiscus flowers in boiling water for 15 minutes.
– Strain the liquid to remove the flowers.
– In a jug, mix the orange juice, lime juice, sugar and sparkling water.
– Add the hibiscus infusion and stir well.
– Refrigerate for a few hours.
– Serve in glasses with ice and garnish with a slice of orange.
– For an extra refreshing drink, you can also prepare colorful Hibiscus ice cubes, which will surprise the whole family!

Badian, also known as star anise, is a spice obtained from the dried fruit of the Illicium verum plant, with a distinctive, slightly sweet taste. It has an intense, sweet and spicy aroma, reminiscent of aniseed with warm liquorice notes. The flavours of star anise are rich, warm and slightly peppery, with a subtle hint of roundness.

Its fragrance is deep and penetrating, offering a captivating sensory experience. When used in drinks, star anise adds a complex aromatic dimension, transforming the drink into a unique taste experience. It is often used to flavour drinks and cocktails. As well as its bewitching aroma, star anise is said to have beneficial properties for digestion and oral health.
Here’s a recipe idea for a star anise drink:

Ingredients:
2 star anise
1 cup boiling water
1 tablespoons of Palm Sugar (if needed)
Juice of 1 lime
Soda water

Instructions:
Steep the star anise in boiling water for 10 minutes.
Strain the liquid to remove the star anise.
In a cocktail glass, mix the sugar to taste and lime juice.
Add the star anise infusion and a few ice cubes.
Fill the glass with sparkling water and stir gently.
Garnish with an extra star anise.

Conclusion:
Whether you’re looking for a refreshing and visually appealing butterfly pea drink, a fruity hibiscus infusion or an aromatic star anise cocktail, these magical flowers offer a multitude of possibilities for unforgettable summer drinks. Let yourself be seduced by their exotic flavours and enjoy their many health benefits. Explore these recipes and make your summer a season of discovery and floral delights. Enjoy!