Let's Make Violet Lemonade!

Wild violets are always such a welcomed sight for me to see. Their bright and beautiful purple blooms are one of the first signs of life dotting the landscape around our home in early spring. As soon as my daughter becomes aware of them she knows exactly what time it is...

Time to make some magical violet lemonade!

The most magical thing about making violet lemonade is the color. When you pour the boiling water over the flowers, the liquid turns a beautiful sapphire blue. But, here’s where the magic show begins: When you add the lemon juice, the citric acid reacts to the cyan-compounds and lowers the pH, turning the liquid a vibrant pink/purple color!

Ugh, nature is just the coolest.

Here’s the recipe:

Ingredients

4 cups wild violet flowers packed loosely

4 cups filtered water

1/3 cup fresh squeezed lemon or lemon concentrate

sugar or honey to taste

Instructions

 Start with Violet Tea:

1. Pour boiling water into your jar or French press of violets until it is full, making sure to gently press on the violets to release any air bubbles. Cover your jar and steep for 7-10 minutes. Remember, the color of the violet tea will look blue, not purple.

2. Line a colander with a paper towel or coffee filter and strain the violet tea, squeezing out the flowers to get as much color out as possible. If using a French press, simply push your plunger down to strain. Compost the flowers.

Let’s make the lemonade!

1. Pour your violet tea into a pitcher large enough to accommodate at least 6 cups.

2. To that, stir in your lemon juice and watch the magic show unfold!

3. Add sugar, honey or other sweetener to taste.

4. Chill completely and serve over ice.