Lemon Verbena is, hands down, one of my personal top 5 herbs.  More on the benefits of Lemon Verbena later.

For now, let’s talk about one delicious way to prepare this herb as a lovely and refreshing beverage.

First, what’s a tisane?

A tisane (pronounced tea-zahn) is the name of any infusion of herbs or spices.  Technically, ‘teas’ like chamomile, lemon balm, mint, etc. aren’t teas at all.  Tea leaves (for green tea, black tea, white tea, etc.) all come from the same plant:  Camellia sinensis.  Only teas that contain leaves which come from that plant are technically teas at all.

So, what does that mean for us?  Well, nothing really!  It’s just interesting to know!  And, before I had the amazing opportunity to spend time in Darjeeling, a town noted for its tea industry (more on that later, too), I had no idea that this was the case.  Maybe you didn’t either?

Okay, Great.  Let’s Get Started!

Agreed.

Ingredients:

Extremely Simple:

• A Large Handful of Fresh Lemon Verbena Leaves
• Hot Water (just under boiling)

Optional:

• St-Germain Liqueur‎ to add even more deliciousness to this night cap.

Let’s Make It!

I’m sure you guessed, but it’s just like making a tea.  Put the leaves in a teapot and pour the hot water over.

Let this steep for ~5 minutes while covered.  If it’s not covered, you’re letting the beneficial essential oils of the plant escape, and we don’t want that!

I don’t use any sweetener, because it’s so light and refreshing as-is.

On occasion, I do like to add just a splash of St-Germain Liqueur‎ to add another layer of flavor that enhances the profile perfectly.  (And St-Germain Liqueur‎ is my favorite, always).

That’s it!  Now enjoy and end your evening well.  You deserve it!

Do you make tisanes?  Any tips, tricks, or favorite herbs?  Let us know in the comments below!

Xox,

Leah