Refreshing Beverages for Summer’s End

There’s nothing like summer and none of us want to see beach trips, long summer nights, and  carefree days  disappear. The only cure I know is to extend the things you like about summer. Drink it up with these two herbal drinks and remember the good times!

BASIL LEMONADE OR LIMEADE

Basil Lemon or Lime Syrup:

4 cups packed fresh basil sprigs

2 cups sugar

4 cups cold water

9 strips of lemon or lime zest

Basil Lemonade or Limeade:

2 cups basil lemon or lime syrup

1 ¼ cups fresh lemon or lime juice

2 cups cold water

2 cups ice cubes

Fresh basil and lemon or lime zest for garnish

Directions:

Prepare the basil lemon or lime syrup by bringing all ingredients to a boil in a medium saucepan, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.  Let stand at room temperature, covered for one hour, then transfer to an airtight container and chill until cold (about one hour).

Strain the syrup through a sieve into a bowl, pressing the solids to extract as much liquid as possible.  Discard solids.  Makes four cups of syrup.

Prepare basil lemonade or limeade by stirring together all the ingredients in a large pitcher.  Pour into tall glasses half filled with ice.  Garnish with basil sprigs and lemon or lime zest strips.

Note:  The lemonade or limeade (without ice) can be made three hours ahead and chilled.

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Lemon Lavender Cocktail is a champagne based cocktail with a lavender aroma that will caress your palate at every sip.  Its delicate and subtle lavender flavor infused within the citrusy essence of Rometti Limoncello is the perfect drink for a relaxing time with friends and family.

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LEMON LAVENDER CHAMPAGNE COCKTAIL

Ingredients:

2 sprigs of lavender flowers

1 oz. gin

1 oz. Rometti Limoncello

½ oz. fresh-squeezed lemon juice

Champagne

Ice

In a cocktail shaker combine lemon juice and Rometti Limoncello.  Strip the lavender flowers from the stem and muddle them into the lemon mixer, letting them release their aromatic oil.  The longer you leave the flowers in the mixer, the stronger the lavender aroma.  Add the gin and ice and shake well.  Pour the mixer into a champagne glass and top it with champagne.  Add a lavender flower to garnish.

Linda

For more summer beverages to sip try: Basil Citrus Cooler or Lemon Verbena Tea