3 Love Potions for Tu B’Av

Tu B’Av, the Jewish holiday of love, is believed to be a fortuitous time to find one’s bashert, or “soulmate.”

Throughout history, people have tried to help move the process along by concocting love potions.

This year, the holiday begins at sunset on August 11. Below are three of the most popular “love potions.”

Love Potion Tea 

Adapted from a book on Druidic practices

• 1/8 teaspoon Rosemary
• 2 teaspoons loose Black tea leaves
• 3 pinches thyme
• 3/8 teaspoons ground nutmeg
• 3 fresh mint leaves
• 6 fresh rose petals
• 6 lemon leaves
• 3 cups water
• Sugar to taste
• Honey to taste

1. Place all ingredients in an earthenware or copper tea kettle.
2. Boil three cups of pure spring water and add to the kettle.
3. Sweeten with sugar and honey, if desired.

Love Potion Wine

Adapted from a book on Druidic practices

• 1 cup sweet sweet dessert wine
• 1/8 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon apple juice
• 1/8 teaspoon strawberry puree
• 9 fresh rose petals
• 1 ginseng root, grated
• 9 fresh basil leaves
• 9 whole cloves
• 9 apple seeds

1. Place all the ingredients in a pot.
2. Bring to a boil.
3. Lower the heat and simmer for a few minutes.

Love Potion #9

Adapted from Coleen Graham

• 1 scoop premium vanilla ice cream
• 1/2 cup fresh, sliced strawberries
• 1/2 ounce chocolate liqueur
• 1 ounce vodka
• 1/2 cup ice
• Whipped cream

1. Place all the ingredients in a blender.
2. Blend until you have a smooth puree.
3. Pour into a cold wine glass.
4. Garnish with whipped cream, a fresh strawberry, and chocolate shavings.