Strawberry elixer from The Umstead
With summer in the South boasting high temperatures, we often turn to sugary drinks to chill out. During May National Strawberry Month, The Umstead Hotel and Spa is delighting spa-goers with a cooler, healthier alternative to sip on: a Strawberry Chrysanthemum Elixir. Here is a wonderful recipe for a restorative thirst-quencher that blends the immunity-boosting Vitamin C of strawberries with calcium and potassium-rich Chrysanthemum tea -- which also acts as a natural coolant to bring down body heat.
Strawberry Chrysanthemum Elixir Recipe (Yields ½ gallon)
Ingredients:
2 quarts water – simmering
2 cups strawberries – quartered
1 cup strawberry puree
1 thumb ginger – peeled, sliced
1 stalk lemongrass – sliced
1 cup dried chrysanthemum flower
2 lemons – juiced
1 cup honey
Directions:
In a large pot combine water, strawberry, strawberry puree, ginger, lemongrass, and bring to a simmer. Continue to simmer for 10 minutes, then add chrysanthemum flowers and remove from heat. Allow to steep for 10 minutes, then whisk in lemon juice and honey. Strain through a fine sieve and cool.
Enjoy!
The Umstead
100 Woodland Pond Drive, Cary
919-447-4000