Every queen worth her diadem appreciates the Earth’s gift of crystals, but perhaps no queen does so more than the elven variety. Living deep in the forest and treasuring its many gifts, she loves to find unexpected shafts of light reaching through the leaves that vanish as swiftly as an elven warrior. So when she chooses a liquid refreshment, she prefers to drink from a vessel of glowing, crystal-infused water steeped in a forest pool that draws on the ancient energies of both trees and minerals—all while capturing a play of colorful light whose shimmering fractures are truly one of life’s pleasures.

Infusing crystals’ energy into drinkable water is a wellness practice that dates back thousands of years, with roots in ancient Sumerian, Egyptian, Chinese, and Indian cultures. When you soak safe, nontoxic crystals in water, they impart their vibrational energies into the liquid. This water can be further energized beneath the sun (a solar infusion) or moon and stars (a lunar infusion). When you drink this gem water, you transfer the energies of the stones to your body, promoting emotional well-being, balance, clarity, and more, depending on the properties of the stones.

Enjoy this special water on its own, or combine it with other ingredients to make a tasty cocktail (or mocktail)!

Note: Remember that not all crystals are safe to infuse in water. Certain toxic crystals can dissolve and deposit unsafe minerals and other harmful substances in your drink; others might rust. You should always make sure that the crystals you want to use haven’t been treated with harmful chemicals. Some minerals to avoid include malachite, selenite, and pyrite. Be sure to do your research!

This recipe uses three common crystals that are safe: amethyst, rose quartz, and clear quartz.

• Amethyst: Fosters calm and a sense of peace, reduces anxiety, heightens intuition, boosts mental clarity, protects against negative energy.
• Rose quartz: Imparts unconditional love, promotes emotional healing, instills balance and harmony.
• Clear quartz: Enhances clarity, increases your energy, amplifies the energy of other crystals.

TO MAKE THE CRYSTAL-INFUSED WATER

You Will Need:

• 1 to 3 nontoxic crystals (I used amethyst, rose quartz, and clear quartz.)
• A vessel to hold the crystals and water (A large wine glass works well.)
• Enough water to fill your vessel (Tap water is fine, but if you don’t plan on drinking it right after infusing, use distilled water.)

Cleanse your crystals with mild soap. Rinse them thoroughly. Carefully place your crystals into the vessel.

Fill the glass with water, covering the crystals.

Place the vessel in sunlight or beneath the light of the moon and stars, outdoors or on a windowsill, for a period of 5 to 24 hours. If infusing your elixir outdoors, place a cover over the vessel to protect the infusion from insects, droppings, and outdoor creatures, etc.

Remove the crystals from the water. Sip your crystal water neat or use it to make the elixir at right.

TO MAKE THE ELIXIR

You Will Need:

• 1 ounce crystal-infused water
• 3 ounces fruity tea (For this recipe I love using Celestial Seasonings Black Cherry Berry.)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Juice of half a lemon
• 1 ounce vodka (optional)
• Lavender sprig, unsprayed rosebud, and twist of lemon rind for garnish

Brew 3 ounces of strong tea using your crystal water. Allow to steep for at least 15 minutes.

Add 1 tablespoon of honey while the tea is still hot. Stir. Let the tea cool to room temperature.

Add ice to a fancy coupe glass.

Pour your honeyed cooled tea over the ice. Squeeze in the fresh juice of half a lemon. Add 1 ounce of vodka (optional).

Stir with a cocktail spoon.

Garnish with a lavender sprig, rosebud, and twist of lemon rind.