Category:
Beverages
Seasons:
April, May, June, July, August
Courtesy of Lucinda Hutson
Makes 1 spritzer
In the era of Gone with the Wind, genteel Southern ladies suffering the “vapors” mopped their brows with a decoction of a fragrant herb called lemon verbena. I’d rather be revived with a vodka-spiked lemonade garnished with long sprigs of this highly aromatic lemony herb, instead. Its lance-shaped leaves and tiny white blossoms are good for flavoring and garnishing iced drinks, punches, fruit juices or hot tea. You can find lemon verbena transplants at nurseries now. Plant in mostly full sun (some afternoon shade appreciated) in well-draining, rich soil. It grows into a large bush that dies back in winter but returns in the spring.
Super easy
2 ounces premium vodka
5 ounces homemade lemonade (see note)
Several lemon slices
Sparkling mineral water, cava or prosecco
Nosegay of fresh lemon verbena
Swooning Scarlett Directions
Fill a tall glass with ice.
Add the lemonade, vodka and lemon slices.
Splash with sparkling water, stir and garnish with several long stems of lemon verbena.
Note: Slightly bruise a bouquet of long stems of lemon verbena to release flavor, then add to your favorite homemade lemonade. Chill the lemonade for several hours, occasionally pressing down on the leaves with a spoon. Strain and serve.
