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A Glass Full of Bloom: Sipping the Season’s Medicine

By Andrée Noye, Clinical Herbalist. Reading Time: 2-3 minutes.

A glass carafe filled with refreshing lemonade infused with slices of lemon and fresh herbs, surrounded by colorful flowers on a wooden table, creating a vibrant and inviting summertime scene. 📸Véronique Paré
A glass carafe filled with refreshing lemonade infused with slices of lemon and fresh herbs, surrounded by colorful flowers on a wooden table, creating a vibrant and inviting summertime scene. 📸Véronique Paré

To bring a little beauty into your day, here’s a floral-herbal lemonade recipe I absolutely love. It’s a celebration of the season in a glass.


This refreshing infusion blends the tang of lemon with the vibrant green of rosemary, softened by the golden petals of fresh calendula and the stunning blue of borage blossoms. It’s herbal, hydrating, and just the right balance of bright and gentle.


And right now [we're early July] is the perfect time to make it, as both borage and calendula are blooming in abundance. Use fresh flowers from your garden if you have them!


✨ Why this blend works:


  • Lemon brings brightness, vitamin C, and light digestive support

  • Rosemary adds an herbaceous lift and supports circulation

  • Borage flowers are cooling, slightly mucilaginous, and visually enchanting

  • Calendula adds sunshine in colour and a mild bitter for digestion and skin


🍋 Floral Lemonade

Ingredients:

• 900 ml filtered water

• 100 ml fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)

• Zest of half a lemon

• 1 small sprig fresh rosemary (5–7 cm)

• 4 to 6 fresh borage flowers (or dried)

• 1 heaping tbsp fresh or dried calendula petals

• 1 to 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup

• Ice cubes

• Optional: sparkling water to replace part of the still water


🌼 Instructions

1. Make a gentle infusion

Warm 200 ml of water (not boiling). Add rosemary, borage, and calendula. Cover and steep for 10–15 minutes. Strain and let cool.


2. Mix the lemonade

In a pitcher, combine:


  • Fresh lemon juice

  • Lemon zest (or remove before serving if preferred)

  • Cooled floral infusion

  • Honey or agave, adjusted to taste


3. Finish and chill

Add the remaining cold water or sparkling water. Stir well and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.


4. To serve

Add ice cubes, extra borage or calendula blossoms for garnish, a lemon slice, and a cheerful straw. Serve in a clear pitcher or glass to showcase the colours.


🌿 Optional Additions

• A few fresh lemon balm leaves for a calming citrusy note

• Mint (spearmint or peppermint) for added refreshment

• Lemon thyme as a gentle swap for rosemary

• Freeze borage or calendula petals into ice cubes for a magical visual touch


This is the kind of drink that brings people back to themselves. Perfect for workshops, herbal gatherings, or quiet moments in the shade.


Sometimes, the simplest things are the most restorative.


 
 
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