Lemon Verbena Sweet Iced Sun Tea

'Tis the season for gardens and fresh herbs. This year I added a verbena plant to my herb garden. I was at a local nursery and I saw this weird looking plant. I had never seen a lemon verbena plant before. I thought that it was only a scent that Bath and Body Works used! lol So, I pulled a leaf off and the smell was wonderful! It was very lemony fresh. I bought the plant and it is thriving well. I am now finding recipes to use this wonderful herb. :) My first recipe is a little twist on a southern tradition.

INGREDIENTS

1 qt mason jar

1 Tea Bag

6 fresh verbena leaves

*Simple Syrup

DIRECTIONS

I like to make my tea in a quart mason jar. Fill the mason jar with water and add in the tea bag. Take the 6 verbena leaves and crush them with your hand. I roll mine into a little ball. Add the leaves to the tea and set outside in the sun for two hours. Add in your simple syrup, set in the fridge to cool, and enjoy! I leave my leaves in the mason jar until the tea is gone.

*to make simple syrup just add one part water and one part sugar. Heat to a boil stirring constantly and remove from heat. Let cool and add to your favorite drink.