HOMEMADE SODA SYRUP // HERBAL SIMPLE SYRUP

 

 
Gosh I love homemade soda!
I never thought about it before, but we make a lot of homemade beverages, and these herbal simple syrup sodas are also a great way to get some tender herbal care!

Tony and I grow lots of beneficial herbs and spices in the food garden, and today's soda syrup was made from a combination of fresh Lavender blossoms, and Lemon Verbena leaves.

...I can't explain enough how much I love using these two herbs in drinks and dishes!

Oh and I had to wait to harvest, because you know, baby prangs!

so. freaking. cute.



This recipe can be with dried Lavender and Lemon Verbena, it will taste great! As an herbalist though, I feel like just as with food, fresh is always better, and we should take advantage of it when we can.
hurray food and herb garden!

.ingredients.
You will need the following:
1c filtered water
1c organic cane sugar (or sugar of choice)
6-8 flowering lavender tops (about 5-6 tablespoons dried)
8-10 lemon verbena leaves (about 3-4 tablespoons dried)
plain carbonated water

.directions.
.add sugar, water and half of your amount of each lavender and verbena into a saucepan, turn burner on medium high. 
.stir until your mixture is smooth (no sugar granules visible), cover with a lid (to trap the herb essences) and wait for mixture to come to a simmer.
.when mixture comes to a simmer, turn heat to low, and uncover for 10 min. stirring occasionally.
.add remaining herb portions, cover on low for 5-7 min.
.remove from heat, and strain mixture into a glass container to chill.

.uses.You can add this syrup to your carbonated water to be as sweet as you prefer. Try adding some fruit, or other herbs from the garden.

I usually use about 2-3 tablespoons of syrup for ever 12-16 oz or water...or you know Vodka...

It's really good as a mixer for the more adult summer beverage.

Other ways to use the syrup:
> Over ice cream
> In a hot toddy or tea
> as a flavoring for frozen herbal popsicles!

Lavender and Lemon Verbena are said to have many benefits, from providing many beneficial vitamins to relaxing and calming effects and can be a healthy addition and flavoring for food and beverages.