Transform Your Drinks With the Color-Changing Magic of Violet Ice Cubes

One botanical sign that spring has arrived is the appearance of violets scattered across lawns. These common flowers and heart-shaped leaves are like an invitation from nature to go outside and spend time with plants. Violets are a truly joyful way to engage with the season, and lucky for us, they’re quite prolific. Many species are even edible, including the common blue violet (though its blossoms are purple) (Viola sororia), native to the United States, Mexico, and Canada, and sweet violet (V. odorata), native to Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.  

How to Use Violets

Though the purple violet blossoms of these species often steal the show, both the leaves and flowers are beneficial. Early in the season, violet leaves have a mild, subtly sweet, and tender taste along with a mucilaginous nature that can be used to soothe tissues. Violet leaves are often applied for their cooling properties, particularly in support of the lymphatic system, respiratory tract, and skin. Symbolically and energetically, violets are associated with softening—both tissues and emotions—and can be very supportive in times of irritation.

Culinarily, the leaves and flowers can both be used in a salad or stir-fry. The flowers are a great way to dress up any dish, decorate cakes, or float in springtime beverages. Their presence is a gentle reminder of the beauty and nourishment offered by the plants that grow so close to our homes.

And did you know, violet flowers have fascinating color-changing properties. Their water-based infusions can act as a natural litmus test, shifting in color depending on the pH of the solution they are added to. The purple infusion will turn magenta when exposed to acidic substances like lemon juice or vinegar, and greener tones will appear in more alkaline conditions. 

One of Herbal Academy’s favorite, yet oh so simple ways to enjoy violets is by preparing Violet Ice Cubes. These colorful cubes are made by harvesting violet flowers, infusing and steeping, and then freezing. The result is beautiful purple ice that can be added to water, lemonade, or any beverage to infuse your drinks with subtle floral flavor notes and the colorful energy of the flowers of spring.

Once frozen, you can use these colorful cubes in beverages with an acid, such as lemon juice, to experience their color-changing magic as they melt. 

In Closing,

The color-shifting properties of the violet flower make it not only a lovely springtime ingredient but a botanical teaching tool on pH as well. When frozen into ice cubes, violets offer a beautiful way to bring the art and science of edible plants into your beverages!