Herb Infused Lemonade
There really isn’t a more refreshing drink than lemonade when it’s hot outside. Homemade lemonade is so easy to make and is so much better than store-bought. Our Herb Infused Lemonade takes regular ol’ lemonade up a notch. You can use any herb you prefer: thyme, basil, sage, lavender. We used thyme in ours and really love the flavor. The amount of the herb can be decreased to give a more subtle flavor or increased to make the flavor stronger. Muddling the lemon in sugar is key to getting the most lemon flavor possible.
Our Herb Infused Lemonade is delicious on it’s own straight out of the fridge. You can also freeze some in an ice cube tray to add to a glass of sparkling water for a lovely hint of herb infused lemonade. Or if it’s cocktail hour, add a bit of vodka, gin or sparkling wine to make a refreshing cocktail!
Stay cool and hydrated!
Jump to Recipe
Combine the sugar and lemon slices and smash into a paste.
Bring the thyme, sugar and water to a simmer.
Combine the cooled herb syrup with the lemon-sugar mixture.
Chill and enjoy!
Herbed Lemonade
Ingredients
- 1 lemon thinly sliced
- 1 ½ cups sugar divided
- ¾ oz fresh thyme sprigs or other herb of choice
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups fresh lemon juice from about 12 lemons
- 5 cups cold water
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine sliced lemon with ¾ cup of sugar. Using a wooden spoon, mash the lemons slices in the sugar to release their juices and the oils in the skin. The sugar will begin to dissolve. Set aside and stir/mash occasionally to continue dissolving the sugar.
- In a small saucepan, combine the thyme (intact sprigs, no need to chop) with 2 cups of water and the remaining ¾ cup sugar. Stir to dissolve sugar and bruise the leaves. Bring to a simmer, allowing to simmer for about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Once cool, add the herb syrup to the lemon sugar and stir to combine.
- Using a fine mesh strainer, strain the lemon-sugar herb mixture into a large pitcher, pressing on the herbs and lemon solids to release all the liquid. Discard the solids.
- Add the lemon juice and cold water to the pitcher and stir well to combine.
- Chill well and serve over ice.