This week we're bringing together the alertness of coffee and the calmness of tea!
The herbal fusion in coffee is gaining lots of traction, and it's no surprise why. More and more we're seeing how the myriad benefits of herbal teas, paired with the get-up-and-go stimulant of coffee is growing in popularity. This week we're focusing on a simple recipe combining the sweet and floral notes of lavender with crisp iced coffee.
Lavender Benefits
The calming attributes of lavender are what the herb is best known for. Lavender has the natural ability to calm down the nervous system by lowering your blood pressure. It's also a great anxiety deterrent, and may even help to stave off depression.
Lavender Simple Syrup
Before we put together our lavender-infused coffee, we need to first create the lavender simple syrup additive.
Ingredients:
1/2 Cup of water
1/2 Cup of granulated sugar
1 tbsp of dried Lavender
Directions:
In a medium saucepan, combine water, sugar, and dried lavender over high heat.
Bring your mixture to boil
Once you've achieved a rolling boil, lower the heat and let simmer for 10 minutes.
After the allotted ten minutes your syrup should start to thicken.
Remove the saucepan from heat and cover, let it steep for 1 hour.
Strain the lavender simple syrup through a mesh sieve to remove the buds. Place in the refrigerator to cool.
*Store any unused syrup in an airtight container, such as a mason jar.
Lavender Iced Mocha
Once your lavender simple syrup is complete brew a cup of your favorite coffee, add a half cup of chocolate milk and a tablespoon of your lavender simple syrup, and pour your drink over ice.
Tea Time
Are you interested in other herbally infused iced coffees? Let us know in the comments which herbs you think would pair well with a morning cup of Joe!
I love peppermint and orange peel!