Ojai-Inspired Drinks

Sip Slowly

Simple and refreshing, these beverage ideas will hydrate your yoga session, prove a sweet accompaniment with a light lunch and bring your afternoon to a very sweet and happy ending. All in a day’s rest.

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Aperitif | Spa Water

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It can’t get more refreshing than flavored water. And it certainly doesn’t get easier! Take a page from Spa Ojai‘s inventive infusions and swap in your favorite combinations to jazz up your H2O with:

  • A large beverage dispenser or infusion pitcher
  • Ice cubes
  • Filtered water
  • Sliced fruit and/or herb sprigs

Add fruit or herb combination. The vessel of your choice should be approx ¼ of the way full. Add ice cubes; about 2 trays. Fill with filtered water. Keep chilled until ready to serve.

Combinations We Love:

  • Cucumber + Orange + Mint
  • Lemon + Grapefruit
  • Lemon + Thyme
  • Lime + Basil
  • Lavender + Sage

May We Suggest…

 

The Accompaniment | Fresh Lavender Lemonade

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Just a sip of this tart, herbaceous elixir transports us to the mountain view relaxation of Indigo Pool. And while this is the teetotaling version, it’s just as good with a splash or two of vodka on sultry summer nights.

  • Select a large pitcher, beverage dispenser or punch bowl
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 ½ – 2 cups sugar, depending on how sweet you like your lemonade (we like it on the tart side)
  • ½ cup honey
  • 4 cups lemon juice (about 24 lemons squeezed)
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice (about 2 limes squeezed)
  • 6 tablespoons culinary lavender, dried

For lavender simple syrup: in a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil. Reduce to medium heat and add sugar, stirring until it is dissolved completely. Remove from heat.

Add lavender and honey; stir well to combine. Cover with a tight fitting lid and allow to infuse, about 20 minutes.

Remove lavender buds with a strainer or spoon.

Combine lemon juice, lime juice, lavender simple syrup and about 8 cups filtered water. Cover and chill (overnight if you can). Serve chilled over ice with a sprig or two of fresh lavender for garnish.

May We Suggest…

 

Wine | The Ojai Vineyard

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Known for their earthy Syrahs and bright whites, The Ojai Vineyard is a tried and true expression of Central Coast wine country attributes. We wanted to bring the enviable ambiance of The Ojai Vineyard’s tasting room (and of course, their wines!) home to share with friends. What complements pedis better than a cold glass of Sauvignon Blanc? We couldn’t think of anything either.

May We Suggest…

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Contributing Photography: Helen Brooks

© Ojai Drink Recipes: Beverage and Libation Ideas From Ojai