Tip
If you can’t find lemon verbena, use fresh basil leaves instead.
Lemon Verbena Lemonade
Grown-up lemonade with a hint of floral lemon verbena, this might just be your new favorite cocktail. Lemon verbena can be difficult to track down (though it’s easy to grow). It makes wonderful tisanes and ice creams, too.
1 ½ cups vodka
1 ½ cup fresh lemon juice
1 ¼ cups lemon verbena simple syrup
2 cups sparkling water
for the lemon verbena simple syrup:
1 cup sugar
½ cup agave nectar
½ cup packed lemon verbena leaves
1. To make the cocktail, combine all ingredients in a pitcher, stir well, and place in the fridge to chill.
2. To serve, pour over ice-filled glasses and garnish each with a small sprig of lemon verbena.
To make the lemon verbena simple syrup:
Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat. When the agave is dissolved, turn off heat, cover and let infuse for at least 1 hour. Once cooled to room temperature, store in the fridge until ready to use.