Sumac Saffron Iced Tea

Looking for a unique and flavorful iced tea to beat the summer heat? Look no further than this Sumac Saffron Iced Tea! Inspired by the classic Indian drink "saffron water," this iced tea recipe takes a refreshing turn with the addition of sumac, a tangy spice that balances and highlights the floral notes of saffron.

What is Sumac?

Sumac, a vibrant crimson spice made from dried and ground berries, boasts a delightful tartness that falls somewhere between lemons and raspberries. But here's the secret weapon: sumac is traditionally dried with salt, adding a subtle savory layer that perfectly complements the sweetness of saffron and sugar in this unique iced tea recipe.

Read more about this unique spice in our Story of Sumac

Saffron: The Queen of Spices

Saffron is considered the crown jewel of spices and is the most expensive spice you’ll find. But why is saffron so expensive?

Saffron is the stamens of a crocus flower. Each crocus flower has just 3 - 5 stamens which must be picked one at a time by hand. The flowers are open for just about 48 hours. It takes 80,000 flowers (about one acre of flowers) to produce just one pound of saffron.

But If you’ve ever tasted saffron, you know its floral yet earthy unique flavor is worth it! And its color! oh the color! In this saffron tea recipe, the color of saffron combines with the bright maroon color of sumac to create a bright orange color unlike any other tea we’ve brewed!

 Making the Perfect Syrup: Break Out the Mortar and Pestle

This recipe starts with a simple saffron sumac syrup. Using a mortar and pestle, we gently grind the saffron with a touch of sugar to infuse the sugar with the saffron flavor. This fragrant mixture then joins water and the remaining sugar in a saucepan, creating a base for our delicious iced tea.

Steeping the Tea

After simmering the syrup, we stir in the sumac. Here's where steeping time is crucial. Fifteen to thirty minutes allows the sumac to infuse its vibrant flavor without releasing any bitterness. Any more than a thirty minute steep, and sumac may start to release its tannins resulting in an intensely bitter tea. 

Once steeped, a quick strain through a fine-mesh sieve or cheese cloth ensures a smooth and luxurious iced tea.

Chilled Perfection: Sweet and Tangy Delight

With the chilled syrup ready, all that's left is to assemble your refreshing beverage. Simply combine the sumac saffron syrup with chilled club soda or water, and voila! A symphony of sweet, floral, and tangy flavors dances on your palate, leaving you feeling cool and invigorated.

Tips for a Perfect Sumac Saffron Iced Tea:

• Freshness is Key: Use the freshest saffron threads you can find for the most vibrant flavor. At SpiceTopia, our saffron comes directly from Afghanistan and is from the latest harvest ensuring you’ll receive one of the best saffrons available. 
• Sweetness to Your Liking: Adjust the amount of sugar in the syrup to suit your taste preference.
• Garnish with Flair: For a touch of elegance, garnish your iced tea with a few saffron threads or a lemon wedge.
• Experiment with Flavors: Feeling adventurous? Add a splash of rosewater or a sprig of mint for a unique twist.

This is a naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan recipe. 

With its vibrant color, delightful sourness, and a touch of floral elegance from the saffron, this Sumac Saffron Iced Tea is a true conversation starter. It's the perfect way to impress your guests at a summer gathering or simply enjoy a unique and refreshing escape on a hot day. So, ditch the ordinary iced tea and give this recipe a try! Your taste buds will thank you.

Let’s Get Cooking!