Everyday Recipe Menu

 

Herbal Brainstorm Rosemary-Raspberry Lemonade

 

Description

This beautiful, refreshing drink is a fusion of herbs, flowers and good old-fashioned lemonade. It can be served iced or warm, and it really gives a nice lift to the brain. A great party drink, this treat can be sipped on a hot summer day.

 

Food as Medicine

 

Rosemary has been shown to increase blood flow to the brain, improving concentration. It also contains numerous anti-inflammatory compounds, and has been used medicinally for centuries.

 

Ingredients

1 quart water

¼ cup fresh or ⅛ cup dry rosemary leaves

3 medium-sized lemons

¼ to ½ cup honey or maple syrup

1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries

Ice cubes

Edible flowers for garnish

 

 

Instructions

Make a rosemary infusion:

1. Measure out 1-2 ounces (about ½ -1 cup) of dried herbs per quart of boiling water. If using fresh herbs, double the amount of plant material. Combine the herbs in a pot.

 

2. Pour 1 quart of boiling water over the herbs.

 

3. Strain, and sweeten lightly with honey if desired.

 

 

Make the lemonade:

 

1. After the rosemary infusion. Stir, cover and allow to steep for 15-20 minutes.

 

2. Strain out the rosemary leaves, and add the fresh lemon and honey or maple syrup. Stir well and transfer to a festive glass bowl.

 

3. Add the raspberries and ice cubes, and garnish with a few sprinkles of edible flowers such as basil blossoms, borage, calendula, lavender, rose petals or nasturtiums).

 

Recipe courtesy of “Healing Tonics” by Jeanine Pollak (Storey Publishing, 2000)