Sumac Saffron Vodka Cocktail

Ingredients

Serves 2

• 15-20 saffron strands

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 2 green cardamom pods, crushed

• 1/4 cup ground sumac

• 1 cup water

• 1 cup vodka

• 1 cup chilled club soda or sparkling water

• Pomegranate juice (optional)

• Fresh pomegranate seeds for garnish

• Sumac for rim (optional)

Instructions

1. Infuse the Saffron Syrup:

   • Grind the saffron with a tablespoon of sugar into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle.

   • In a small saucepan, combine the powdered saffron, remaining sugar, cardamom pods, and water.

   • Bring to a simmer, stirring until the sugar dissolves.

   • Remove from heat, cover, and let steep for 30 minutes.

   • Strain the syrup into a clean container and let it cool completely.

2. Prepare the Cocktail:

   • Optional: Rim the Glass: Moisten the rim of a cocktail glass with a lime wedge and dip it in a plate of sumac to coat.

   • In a cocktail shaker, combine the saffron syrup, vodka, and a splash of pomegranate juice (optional) for a tart twist.

   • Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously until well-chilled.

   • Strain the cocktail into the prepared glass filled with fresh ice.

   • Top with chilled club soda or sparkling water.

   • Garnish with fresh pomegranate seeds and a saffron strand.

Tips:

• For a stronger flavor, increase the steeping time of the saffron syrup.

• Star Anise: A touch of star anise can add a warm, licorice-like flavor to the cocktail.

• Cinnamon: A sprinkle of cinnamon can add a festive, wintery flavor.

Karak Chai

Ingredients

Makes a pot of tea - about 2-3 cups of chai

• 4 bags Saffron Rose Tea

• 3-5 Saffron threads

• 1 tsp Honey

• 1 cup Almond milk or Evaporated milk

Method

1. Bring 6 cups water to a boil in a medium pot or tea kettle. Add tea bags and saffron and bring to a boil.

2. Add almond milk evaporated milk and return to a boil again, watching carefully to ensure the tea doesn’t boil over. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until thick, creamy, and caramel in color, about 30 minutes. (The longer the tea simmers the stronger and creamier it will be.)

3. Strain tea through a mesh and discard the teabags in the compost. Add a few more saffron threads as a garnish onto the frothy top of the drink.

Iced Saffron Rose Green Tea

Ingredients

• 4 Saffron Rose Green Tea Bags

• 2 tbls Honey or Simple Syrup

• 3-4 Fresh Mint Leaf Sprigs

Method

Bring 6- 8 cups water to a simmer; remove from the heat and add 4 tea bags. Let steep about 4 minutes, until it's the strength you like. Add honey or sweetener of your choice. Let cool, then transfer to a pitcher, cover and refrigerate. Serve with fresh mint and ice.