Golden tea of the afternoon.

On the island, midday is the time when the air becomes thick as honey. At such hours I don’t drink coffee – I brew tea that smells like summer.

It's a golden infusion , warm as a stone in the sun, and soft as the light behind shutters. First you smell the lemon. Then the slow warmth of saffron. And only at the end - the sweetness of honey.

Golden Saffron Tea Recipe (Makes 1 Cup)

• 200 ml hot water (not boiling water)

• 3–4 saffron stigmas

• 1 tsp honey (preferably flower or thyme)

• 2 lemon slices (with peel)

• Optional: a pinch of chamomile or ginger

How to brew:

1. Place all ingredients in a cup.

2. Pour hot water over it and cover with a saucer.

3. Let it brew for 7-8 minutes.

4. Drink slowly, with the window open or on the porch.

This is not just tea.

It's a way to survive the summer, even when it's over. With every sip it's like being back under the Corfiot sun.