Iced Chrysanthemum Goji Cooler with Honey and Lime
Cold-brewed chrysanthemum and goji over ice, brightened with honey and a squeeze of lime—a floral, refreshing, caffeine-free summer drink.
Chrysanthemum is naturally cooling, which makes it a perfect base for a refreshing iced drink. Cold-brewing the flowers brings out their soft floral sweetness while leaving behind any bitterness, resulting in a clean, pale-gold infusion that is gentle and easy to drink.
Goji berries continue the traditional pairing here, lending a subtle fruity sweetness as they steep in the cold water overnight. A little honey rounds out the flavor, and a squeeze of fresh lime adds brightness that lifts the whole drink.
Cold-brewing is the key to a smooth result. Steeping the flowers slowly in the refrigerator extracts the pleasant floral notes without the slight astringency that hot brewing can sometimes draw out, so the finished cooler tastes delicate rather than medicinal.
Serve over plenty of ice on a hot afternoon, garnished with a few goji berries and a lime wheel. Because it is caffeine-free, it is a great all-day refresher. As always with chrysanthemum, those with ragweed or daisy (Asteraceae) allergies should sample carefully.
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp dried chrysanthemum flowers
- 2 tbsp dried goji berries
- 4 cups cold water
- 2 tbsp honey (or to taste)
- Juice of half a lime
- Ice cubes
- Lime wheels and extra goji berries to garnish
How to make it
- 1Place the chrysanthemum flowers and goji berries in a large jar and pour over the cold water.
- 2Cover and refrigerate for 6–8 hours (or overnight) to cold-brew.
- 3Strain the infusion through a fine sieve into a pitcher, reserving a few plumped goji berries for garnish.
- 4Stir in the honey until dissolved, then add the lime juice.
- 5Serve over ice in tall glasses, garnished with lime wheels and the reserved goji berries.
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