TURMERIC TONIC
FL040: OPTIONS
February 8, 2021
Our homage to the turmeric tonic of Saltie restaurant, whose Papi Romesco we met in FL006: No Spain No Gain. For a cozy winter version, add hot water instead of cold seltzer and skip the step of chilling the base.
Goal: a sunny delight of a health drink
Yield: enough turmeric base for about 4 drinks
2 cups water
2 teaspoons ground turmeric
1 teaspoon cracked black peppercorns
1 Thai chile (optional), cut in half lengthwise
2 tablespoons honey or salted mint syrup leftover from the Salty Pomelo Palomas of FL038: Mandalay
1/4 cup lemon juice (from 1-2 lemons)
chilled seltzer or hot water, as needed
Bring the water, turmeric, cracked black pepper and the optional chile to a boil and simmer, covered, for 10 minutes. Strain. Whisk in the honey or salted mint syrup and the lemon juice. Chill if necessary.
Stir the base well before using (the turmeric will settle to the bottom). For each drink, mix one part turmeric base with two parts cold plain seltzer or hot water. Adjust with a little more turmeric base for a stronger flavor.