This uses the beautiful wild pansy (common name of heartsease) which was one of the most popular additives to the love potions of the ancient Greeks and Romans, as well as to those of their European descendants. The flower has also been called “kiss me in the buttery” and “loves lies bleeding”. Besides soothing the spirits, making a wonderful tonic for the heart and blood, and combating the exhaustion of an overlong day, this magical little flower will give a lovely glow to your complexion as you imbibe.

juice of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons sugar
2 1/2 ounces wild pansy leaves and flowers (leaves chopped, flowers whole)
sparkling mineral or elderberry-flower water, to serve
slice of lemon and 1-2 fresh flowers, to decorate

Make a lemonade by dissolving the lemon and sugar in 2 cups boiling water, stirring well. Set this mixture aside to cool and meanwhile infuse the pansy leaves and flowers in the liquid. After at least an hour, bring the whole mixture to a boil again very quickly, allowing the boiling to continue for just 30 seconds. Remove from the heat, cool and chill in the refrigerator.

Serve this potion by straining it into a tall glass and mixing with equal parts sparkling mineral or elderberry-flower water. Decorate with a slice of lemon and 1 or 2 fresh flowers.

Galerie de Paris
© Copyright 2002
TRG Creations