Lemon Verbena Cocktail

The Lemon Verbena Drop is a citrus-forward cocktail made with fresh or dried lemon verbena, which makes it perfect for summer sipping!

Lemon Verbena Basics

• Lemon verbena has a bright, sweet, and herbaceous flavour with distinct notes of lemon.
• Leaves can be used fresh or dried because dried lemon verbena retains its fragrance and flavour.
• The plant was brought to Europe by the Spanish in the 17th century and was cultivated for its oil.
• Lemon verbena can be used to add a lemony flavour to marinades, salad dressings, drinks, and desserts. 

Lemon Verbena Drop

Lemon Verbena Syrup

• 1 cup caster sugar
• 1 cup water
• 3 sprigs of lemon verbena

In a shaker

• 2 parts gin or vodka
• 1 part lemon verbena syrup
• Juice of half a lime
• Optional: soda water

1. To make the syrup, place equal parts of sugar and water in a pot. Turn up the heat and add sprigs of lemon verbena. 
2. Once the sugar has completely dissolved, remove from the heat and let cool. 
3. Once cool, remove the sprigs and store them in a glass jar in the fridge. 
4. To make the cocktail, place the gin, syrup, and fresh lime juice in a cocktail shaker. Fill with ice and shake until cold. 
5. Pour into a coupe or martini glass. Add a dash of soda water for a lighter drink. 

More Recipe Ideas:

• Lemon Verbena Iced Tea
• Lemon Verbena & Mint Sorbet
• Lemon Verbena Panna Cotta

Nikita is a food writer, stylist & recipe developer based in Johannesburg.

Check out Nikita Singh’s blog here

See more of Nikita’s recipes on our site here

Follow Nikita Singh @nikitasinghstylist on social media