Lemon Verbena Gimlet Cocktails

Photo: Randy Mayor; Stylist: Cindy Barr
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
Member Ratings and Reviews
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This drink for summer has it all. It is refreshing, beautiful and festive. We used vodka since we are not gin fans. Even my husband who does not usually drink vodka gave this an A+ rating. We served it over ice in large red wine glasses08/23/09
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This is a great, fresh-tasting cocktail. The only change that I made was to use vodka instead of dry gin. My husband raved about it and asked me to make it again. It's a winner!06/23/09




