Lemon Verbena Gimlet Cocktail
We love combining herbs with water and a honey to make simple syrups. Some of our favorites are Fig Leaf, Elderflower Lemon, and of course Lemon Verbena. Lemon Verbena has a strong citrus aroma and can add flavor to both sweet and savory dishes. You can use the leaves to infuse tea, add it to compound butter, or crush it up and infuse sugar with it to make lemony treats.
For more information about Lemon Verbena google “Lemon Verbena uses and benefits”. Enjoy!
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup sugar or honey
- 1/4 cup torn verbena leaves
- 3/4 cup club soda chilled
- 3/4 cup dry gin (or more club soda for a mocktail)
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice about 2 limes
- Lemon verbena sprigs optional
- Lime slices optional for garnish
Method
- Combine 1 cup water and sugar or honey in a small saucepan. Rub torn verbena to bruise; add to pan. Bring sugar mixture to a boil, stirring gently as needed to dissolve sugar evenly; cook 30 seconds. Remove from heat; cool completely. Strain mixture through a sieve over a bowl; discard solids.
- Combine honey/sugar mixture, gin, soda, and juice. Serve over ice. Garnish with verbena sprigs and lime slices, if desired.