Jackie Zykan Maître Liquoriste + Perfumer + Herbalist

By Jackie Zykan

The Eastern Redbud trees dotting the sides of roads serve as harbingers of spring’s official arrival. Their bursts of bright pinkish purple against a vague background of infantile chartreuse leaves cannot be ignored and announces, “you made it!”. 

Found throughout the southeast and lower Midwest, these trees (Cercis canadensis) play a vital role as somewhat of a psychopomp, ascending our spirits and chaperoning early pollinators, ushering in the transition to the season. 

So often we get swept up in the glorious effervescence the warmer temperatures and additional hours of light evoke that we don’t take advantage of this precious moment to be intentional with our newly released zip. We dart around in a hurry straight into our usual spring habits, trimming and cleaning, splaying out all our energy reserves that have been desperate for an outlet, ready to “do”. While this burst of activity is beautiful in and of its autopilot self, I can’t help but remember the springs of 2020 and 2021 when we were all freshly traumatized by the Covid pandemic. With fewer options of places to go and things to do, our busy brains went deeper into the limited experiences and environments we did have access to. I remember noticing the flowers, the exact order of their blooming, their individual scents and vibrant colors. Spring slowed down, and my connection to the incredibly diverse and abundant spring botanicals in Kentucky catapulted. What was once my most disdained season (rain, pollen, inconsistency…) turned to my favorite. My relationship to spring was previously one of irritating impatience. The tease of the random warm days that get ripped out from under you with a surprise snow fall, the lack of control that made my skin crawl when I was ready to get outside and get the world around me cleaned up… but the weather wouldn’t let me. The depths of my discomfort in the seemingly never ending winter’s darkness were like pulling back a rubber band to launch. The longer I yearned for summer, the faster I bolted out of the gate when the daffodils finally popped. But in doing so, I missed noticing the whole picture. In no way am I suggesting forcing yourself to sit, after all it is only natural to bounce out into life again after the catacombs of winter. But when you do, notice what you hear. Count the robins. Feel the sunshine, even in fleeting moments. Smell every single flower you find. And when you finally take a rest from buzzing about, indulge in a relaxing glass of perfectly pink lavender lemonade, and remember the message of the Redbud trees, “You made it!” 

Pink Lavender Lemonade 

What makes this delicious sipper such a gorgeous rosy hue is the very tree which shakes us awake with her blooms. Eastern Redbud trees can be found along roads, edges of forests, and even sprinkled around the neighborhood. Be mindful to not strip any individual branch all the way. I find it helpful to apply my conservative only-take-10% rule to each individual branch when harvesting tree blooms. 

• 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, strained 

• 1 cup lavender simple syrup* 

• 3 cups water 

• 1 cup redbud tea** 

Combine all ingredients in a pitcher and keep refrigerated. Pour over ice to serve. Makes 6 eight ounce servings. 

*Lavender Simple Syrup 

Combine 2 TBSP dried lavender buds with 4 oz boiling water plus ½ cup granulated sugar. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Allow to cool, then strain the lavender buds. 

**Redbud Tea 

Combine 1 cup boiling water and 1 cup freshly picked and cleaned Eastern Redbud buds/blossoms. Stir and allow to steep until water cools to room temperature. Note that the tea itself doesn’t give much to write home about in terms of color. Once acid is added to the recipe, the color will develop into a rich hue. 

A Modern Twist For Your Oaks Soiree 

It’s pink. It’s refreshing. It’s made with Kentucky tree blossoms. It’s utterly perfect. Especially because it can start as a mocktail so no one is left out, and it can grow up easily with any preferred spirit choice. Offering an assortment of Kentucky distilled pours to add to this bright mixer is a great way for out of town guests to see the best the state has to offer. From bourbon, gin, vodka, even liqueurs, the approachable citrus base flavor offers endless possibilities to build upon.