Refreshing Herbal Infusions for Summer

I love Summer!  Lots of sunshine, grass between my toes, and long days at the pool are just a few of my favorite things.

Nothing goes better with Summer, than something iced and tasty in your glass.

Here are a few of my favorites in easy to follow recipes:

Cucumber Refresher

1/4 C Sliced Fresh Cucumber

 2 T Dried Lemongrass

1 T Dried Ginger Root

Add all ingredients to a 1 quart glass jar.  Fill the jar with water, tighten the lid, and shake until well mixed.  Place in the refrigerator at least 2 hours or overnight.  Strain and serve straight or over ice with a lemon twist garnish.

Will keep in fridge up to 48 hours.

Spa Water

1/4 Sliced Fresh Lemon

1/4 Sliced Fresh Cucumber

1 T Dried Spearmint or Dried Peppermint

1/2 T Dried Ginger Root - optional

Add all ingredients to a 1 quart glass jar.  Fill the jar with water, tighten the lid, and shake until well mixed.  Place in the refrigerator at least 2 hours or overnight.  Strain and serve straight or over ice with a cucumber slice or nasturtium flower garnish.

Will keep in fridge up to 48 hours.

Blushing Bubbles

3 T Hibiscus Petals

1 1/4 C Boiling Water

1 C Sugar

Unflavored Seltzer Water (Soda Water or Sparkling Water will also work well)

In a sauce pan, bring water to a boil.  Remove from heat and add hibiscus petals to boiling water.  Stir, cover and let steep 15 minutes.  Strain.  Add hibiscus water back to sauce pan and bring to a simmer.  Add sugar and stir until all sugar is dissolved to make a syrup.  Remove from heat and let syrup cool to room temperature.

Fill a tall cocktail glass with ice, add 1-4 T hibiscus syrup and top with seltzer water.  Stir.  Serve with lemon wedge garnish and a sprig of fresh mint.

Syrup will keep in the fridge up to 2 weeks.