Roseade

It's hot. Terribly hot here in Watertown. So...I have been inspired to invent a pleasant and refreshing tonic to give some relief.

I was inspired by the fresh fragrance of limes and the flavor and simplicity of freshly made (on the premises!) Rose Syrup from Tabrizi Bakery, a marvellous miniature paradise for pastry lovers specializing in Iranian/Persian desserts and sundries. And local too!

ROSEADE

1 tbsp Rose syrup (more if you have a sweet tooth)
2 tbsp lime juice
1 1/4 cups cold filtered water or sparkling water.
Sprig of mint.

Put the syrup and juice in the bottom of a tall glass, fill with water and stir. Add your mint sprig, and ice if you have it. You could even put rose petals in it if you were making a big jug for guests.

Couldn't be simpler...or more delicious.

******************

Thinking about possible uses for this lovely, fragrant concoction I came up with the following...a kind of Middle Eastern spin on the classic crisp Mojito. Mojito part based on a great recipe from Epicurious for the classic cocktail which actually gives decent quantities of mint and batch recipes too. This recipe serves 6-8.

ROSE Mojito

3 cups (packed) fresh mint leaves
1/4 cup rose petals.
6 tablespoons organic sugar
1/4-1/2 cup Rose Syrup, depending on taste.
1/2 cup golden rum
1 cup Cachaca
1/2 cup fresh lime juice

6 cups club soda
6 cups crushed ice
6 lime wedges
Large pitcher

Put some of the mint and rose petals aside for garnish. Put the remaining mint and sugar in the bottom of your pitcher and crush. personally I use the end of a rolling pin since I don't have a "muddler" but if you do...by all means muddle away. Add Rose Syrup, Rum and Lime juice and dissolve the sugar in the mix. Blend well. Some people like to do the mixing in a separate bowl and then strain the mint and whatnot out in true bar fashion but personally i like the herbacious mint leaves...and besides my pitcher has a little strainer thing. Fill pitcher with the club soda and put the crushed ice in glasses for you and your guests, then pour the mojito mixture over the ice and add some mint leaves and rose petals.

enjoy very much but try not to get too drunk. ;)