Lemonade

My husband and I have a few huge rosemary bushes throughout our yard and I am always looking for new ways to use it since my husband loves this herb. Rosemary is full of antioxidants and is so good for you! Although I am personally not a fan, Rosemary is an herb that is constantly used when cooking. I substitute anything that calls for rosemary with Thyme which is a great substitute so that I can enjoy it too. I also love to garnish with it and use it in cocktails. I am a big fan of lemonade, especially on a hot summer day. This lemonade is so refreshing, herby and really pretty. It’s perfect on its own poured over ice, but can also be spiked with a shot or two of vodka.

Ingredients:

Lemonade:

• 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 5-6 lemons)

• 5 cups of water

• 1 cup rosemary simple syrup/ or Thyme simple syrup if you are like me

• Rosemary/ Thyme sprigs for garnish

• Sliced lemons for garnish

Simple Syrup:

• 1 cup water

• 1 cup sugar

• 8 sprigs of rosemary

Directions:

To make the simple syrup, combine sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved. Then remove from heat and add in rosemary/ thyme. Let sit until syrup has cooled.

Meanwhile, juice about 5 or 6 lemons to yield one cup of lemon juice. Pour the juice and 5 cups of water into a large pitcher. Strain the rosemary/thyme from the simple syrup and discard the rosemary/thyme.

Add syrup to the pitcher and stir. Then add in sliced lemons and several sprigs of rosemary/thyme for garnish.

Refrigerate until ready to use.