Beverages Recipe

Make simple syrup with herbs

In a small saucepan combine 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup water. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring until sugar dissolves. Add the mint leaves and basil leaves, remove from heat, cover and steep for 10 minutes to infuse. Strain out the herbs and cool the syrup to room temperature.

Mix citrus base

In a 2-quart pitcher combine 1 cup fresh lemon juice and 1 cup fresh orange juice. Add the cooled herb-infused simple syrup (including any syrup remaining after straining) and stir to combine.

Add water and chill

Add 6 cups cold water to the pitcher and stir. Taste and adjust sweetness by adding more water or syrup as desired. Refrigerate the lemonade until well chilled, at least 30 minutes.

Serve over ice

When ready to serve, fill glasses with ice (about 3/4 cup ice per 8-10 oz glass). Pour lemonade over ice and garnish with a lemon wheel and a mint sprig.

Prepare berry layer

If using berry puree, spoon 2 tablespoons of the mixed berry puree into the bottom of each glass (or reserve 1 cup to mix into the pitcher for a lightly fruit-flavored batch).

Top with sparkling water

Fill the glass halfway with chilled Citrus-Herbal Lemonade, then top with club soda or sparkling water (about 1/2 cup per glass) to add effervescence. Gently stir once to combine without losing fizz.

Garnish and finish

Add a few fresh berries and a lemon slice to each glass. Serve immediately so the sparkling component remains fizzy.

Brew tea with ginger

Place 6 black tea bags and 2 tablespoons sliced fresh ginger in a heatproof pitcher. Pour 8 cups boiling water over the tea and ginger, cover, and steep 8 minutes for a robust brew (longer for stronger ginger flavor).

Sweeten and cool

Remove tea bags and ginger slices (or leave a few slices for presentation). While the tea is still warm, stir in 1/2 cup honey until fully dissolved. Add 1/2 cup lemon juice and 4 cups cold water to dilute to the desired strength. Refrigerate until cold, about 30–45 minutes.

Serve iced

Fill glasses with ice, pour the chilled ginger-honey iced tea over ice, and garnish with lemon wheels, fresh mint sprigs, and a few berries if desired.

For both lemonade and iced tea, add lemon wheels, mint sprigs, and a handful of fresh berries to the pitcher or to individual glasses for an attractive presentation. Adjust garnishes per serving: one lemon wheel, one mint sprig, and 6–8 berries per glass.