Indian Summers. They are a lot less glamorous and mucky than they are made out to be. In fact, I hate it. Oh, what I wouldn’t do (or give) for a one way ticket to anywhere moderately bare able at this (melting) point.
I got these perfectly pink plump rose buds from my bestie, whose venture Kunafa is a sight for sore eyes, especially since the country loves its rich dry fruits – this brand offers you just that, but made in the Middle Eastern way. It will guarantee to leave you licking your fingers.
To make the perfect cup, the process just could not be any simpler: pour boiling water over 5 – 8 rose buds, and allow to steep for a few minutes. This should give you enough tea for 3-5 servings. Want another reason to make this? The tea is not only delicious, it’s also packed with vitamins (A, B, C, E and K) and will boost your circulation and nourish you, inside and out. What more could you ask from a cup of tea?
I would ask for it to be cold iced.
I cannot stand the idea of sipping on piping hot tea when I am already feeling scorched.
Therefore, conceived was the Rose Scented Iced Tea – the perfect remedy for the putrid heat (and the unfortunately accompanying stenches). Brewed the same way as above, but left to chill, mixed in with come simple syrup and cubes of ice – this drink is the best thirst quencher one could imagine.
My other beat the heat tricks involve:
- Always carrying around a flask filled with chilled water. This one is my moms trick, but its got me to addicted, I can lo longer get into a car without that trusty flask. Beats the hip flask hands down!
- Drinking lots of liquids in addition to good old H2O – try this very iced tea, or make it with any green tea/floral tea you have at home.
- Sunscreen for my face is an essential, or I have the tendency to develop the not-so-cute-anymore freckles on the corner of the cheekbones.
- Deeply condition and moisturise your hair, by taking regular treatments that offer a deep penetration. Often, people don’t realise how exposed to the heat their hair is, and neglect ensues.
- Eating cold food, like my ribboned zucchini with almond pesto and truffle oil. Since I felt that unnecessary manual labour restricted me from attempting that dish again, I went out and bought myself a small but snippy spiraliser, guaranteeing repeats after repeats, without any labour whatsoever!
Then again, I would happily forgo all of the above, for that one way ticket [hint hint].
In the interim, heres my breakdown of creating your own party favourite/summer solace/ happiness in a glass.
- 1. 5-8 dried rose buds
- 2. 500-600ml boiling water
- 3. 1/2 cup sugar mixed with 1/2 cup water
- Ice and mint sprigs, to garnish
- Place the rose buds in a pot, and pour over the boiling water. Cover and leave to steep for 10 minutes.
- In this time, bring to boil the sugar water mixture, until it become syrups and slightly golden. Remove from heat.
- Once the rose flavour has steeped into the water, add sugar syrup to taste. The tea will have a floral note, and the sweetness helps enhance it. A little more sugar can be added, as the ice used to serve it with will dilute the sweetness.
- Chill in the freezer. When ready to serve, drop 5-6 cubes of ice into thick bottomed scotch glasses (or any glasses you have on hand), pour over the iced tea and garnish with mint.
- Enjoy on a summers day.
