Lemon Verbena Gimlet Cocktails

Bruising, or partially crushing, the verbena helps draw out its essential oils. Substitute vodka for gin, if you prefer. If you make this ahead, stir in club soda just before serving so the drink stays fizzy.

Yield: 4 servings (serving size: about 1/2 cup)

Ingredients

• 1  cup  water
• 1/4  cup  sugar
• 1/4  cup  torn verbena leaves
• 3/4  cup  dry gin
• 3/4  cup  club soda, chilled
• 1/4  cup  fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
• Lemon verbena sprigs (optional)
• Lime slices (optional)

Preparation

1. Combine 1 cup water and sugar 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.

2. Combine sugar mixture, gin, soda, and juice. Serve over ice. Garnish with verbena sprigs and lime slices, if desired.

Nutritional Information

Calories:

157

Fat:

0.0g (sat 0.0g,mono 0.0g,poly 0.0g)

Protein:

0.1g

Carbohydrate:

13.9g

Fiber:

0.1g

Cholesterol:

0.0mg

Iron:

0.0mg

Sodium:

10mg

Calcium:

5mg