LOBELIA FLOWER-LIME SUMMER COCKTAIL

There is something that feels extra festive about two-toned drinks, but they are so easy to make you don't have to save them for special occasions.  This cocktail uses one of my favorite medicinal herbs (lobelia inflata) to achieve the purple color you see at the top of the drink. Lobelia Flower has been used to ease nervous tension, pain, and stress-related complaints, to stimulate circulation and digestion, and to regulate the Qi, among many other things, but for this recipe we are using this lovely flower as a natural food coloring.  Here's what you'll need:

INGREDIENTS

  • Juice from 2 lemons
  • Juice from 2 limes
  • Sugar to taste, simple syrup, or stevia
  • Vodka
  • Dried or fresh lobelia flowers (you can also substitute black pansy or viola)

 
In a small glass container add 2 T of loosely packed lobelia blossoms.  Cover with 4 oz. vodka and let sit for a minimum of five minutes.  Add ice to your serving glasses.  Juice the lemons and limes, and pour the juice into a measuring glass or pitcher.  Add sugar or simple syrup to taste, or a little sprinkle of dried stevia powder.  Mix well, then pour into serving glasses until the juice reaches 2/3 of the way to the top.  Pour the now PURPLE vodka on top of your drinks, pop a lime slice on the top for garnish, and serve! 

 

Cheers!

Love, Ashley

Photos by: Lauren Ross

Food and Drink, Plants and HerbalismWomen's Heritage