Summer is just around the corner and it’s time to perfect a couple of go-to refreshments that can be made simply and quickly for evening neighborhood BBQs or warm afternoons spent poolside.
The basic components of this spritzer are as follows: Fresh Herbs + Fresh Citrus Juice + Simple Syrup + Club Soda.
Here are some of my favorite combinations:
Rosemary + Tangerine
Spearmint + Blood Orange
Tarragon + Grapefruit
Thyme + Meyer Lemon
Thai Basil + Kumquat
Cilantro + Lime
You can make the simple syrup in advance and keep it in your fridge – it’s great for sweetening iced tea, too. If you would prefer to skip the sugar, you can always substitute agave nectar for the simple syrup in this recipe.
And my favorite thing about these spritzers, you ask? They can be spiked for added pleasure and fun! Just add 2 ounces of your favorite rum, gin, tequila or vodka to the recipe and happiness awaits. If your goal is for something a little lighter, you can add a bit of your favorite white wine – a sauvignon blanc or viognier would be delicious.
Herb Spritzers
Ingredients
- ½ cup Sugar
- 1.5 cups Water
- Fresh Herbs (your choice)
- Fresh Citrus (your choice)
- Club Soda
- Ice
- 2 oz Liquor (optional)
Method
- Boil sugar and water until sugar is completely dissolved. Next, turn off the heat and add your herb of choice. Let steep for 10 minutes while your syrup cools. Strain and chill in your fridge.
- Fill a glass with ice. Add liquor (if you want). Add 2 oz of simple syrup. Add 2 oz of fresh citrus juice. Fill with club soda. Stir. Garnish with herbs. Enjoy.
