80 minutes
A refreshing drink with a unique blend of sweet, tangy, and vibrant flavors, featuring the exotic taste of sumac.
cups
cups
Ground Sumac
tablespoons
Lemon Juice, freshly squeezed
cups
Orange Slices, fresh
each
Sparkling Water, cold
cups
1. Make Simple Syrup
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine one cup of sugar with one cup of water. Stir gently until the sugar fully dissolves and the mixture slightly thickens to create a simple syrup.
2. Infuse with Sumac
Add two tablespoons of ground sumac directly into the simple syrup. Let it steep for about an hour, allowing the sumac to impart its tangy flavor and natural light pink hue to the syrup.
3. Strain Syrup
Once the syrup has taken on a lovely pink color, strain it to remove the sumac granules, leaving you with a smooth, flavored syrup. Allow the syrup to cool.
4. Prepare Lemonade Base
Mix the cooled sumac syrup with two-thirds of a cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice to form the heart of our lemonade.
5. Serve Sumac Lemonade
To serve, combine the sumac-lemon syrup with cold still or sparkling water in a one-to-one ratio, adjusting to taste. If desired, add some fresh orange slices for an extra burst of citrus flavor and a pop of color.
Always opt for high-quality, fresh sumac from a reliable source. The spice should have a vibrant reddish-purple hue and a tangy, lemon-like aroma. Avoid any sumac that smells musty or looks dull.
Adding fresh lemon juice enhances the tanginess and complements the sumac. Use freshly squeezed lemons for a more vibrant flavor, and consider adding a little lemon zest for an extra aromatic note.
To fully extract the summery, citrusy flavors from the sumac, allow it to 'bloom' in warm water. Use freshly boiled water and let it steep for at least 10 minutes, but for deeper flavor, consider steeping for up to 20 minutes. Then, strain through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any sediment.
Make a simple syrup by simmering equal parts water and sugar until dissolved, ensuring a smooth sweetness. Adjust the baseline amount to taste, and consider substituting some sugar with honey or agave syrup for a different flavor profile.
Enhance presentation with a lemon wheel or a sprig of mint right before serving, adding an enticing aroma that complements the sumac's scent.
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