Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 8 servings
Nutritional Information Per Serving (1 of 8): Calories 49, Total Fat 0 g, Saturated Fat 0 g, Carbohydrates 13 g, Dietary Fiber 0 g, Sugar 12 g, Protein 0 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Sodium 0 mg
Total Time: 40 minutes (including soaking)
Active Time: 15 minutes

1/4 teaspoon ground saffron (refer to Cook's Note)
1/4 cup edible basil seeds (refer to Cook's Note)
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon rosewater

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Discover the magic of Persian flavors! Sprinkle the ground saffron over 2 ice cubes and set aside until they melt, creating your vibrant bloomed saffron.
Combine the basil seeds with 1 cup water and let them sit until they expand to two or three times their size, just like chia seeds, about 30 minutes. Watch them transformit's so satisfying!
While they soak, in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine sugar and 1/2 cup water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the syrup thickens slightly, around 10 minutes. Stir in the bloomed saffron and rosewater for that irresistible aroma, then remove from heat. Let it cool to room temperature.
Ready to serve? Add 2 to 4 tablespoons of the fragrant saffron syrup to each glass, top with 1 tablespoon of the soaked basil seeds, and mix well. Toss in ice cubes, fill with cold water, stir, and enjoy this refreshing delight immediately!

Don't have saffron? No problemskip it and savor the drink with just rosewater and syrup. Find edible basil seeds at Persian or Iranian markets, or online like Amazon (Sadaf brand is a favorite!).