Strawberry and Lemon Verbena Summer Drink

Author Notes

I am a tea drinker by excellence, but mostly herbs and green teas. Lemon Verbena is my all time favourite because of the aroma of citrus it gives to drinks.
When they started to grow this spring, I cut some very tender leaves from the garden but they never made it to the teapot. Instead I just put them in a jar with cold water to drink and kept refilling the jar - the scent and taste were amazing, like for days. - Maria Teresa Jorge
Then, a few weeks later I used it to infuse milk for a dessert recipe, and then with strawberries to make strawberry syrup for my granddaughter to have with water for tea. I normally use plain water but Food52 is always surprising me with ideas and why not with lemon soda, Tonic water or just carbonated water instead. I would even dare to pick it up with Champagne for a special brunch!
—Maria Teresa Jorge

Test Kitchen Notes

I love strawberries in any form and this is a refreshing one. The addition of lemon verbena is wonderful and adds a citrus undertone and aroma. The lemon verbena syrup would be delightful in other summer drinks, as well. I served the strawberry mixture with Pellegrino but look forward to trying Maria Teresa's suggestion to add Champagne at a summer brunch. - BlueKaleRoad —BlueKaleRoad