| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 12 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 120 | 0g | 0g | 32g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 29g | 0.2g | 0.2g | 0.01g |
I fell head over heels for Wormwood Lemonade, a refreshingly unique summer drink, the very first time I experienced it at a family gathering. A wonderfully melding of West Coast freshness with an unexpected twist from my Gujarati roots, this lemonade isn’t your ordinary summer thirst-quencher.
The Californian-Gujarati Fusion
Being from California, I know fresh produce when I see it, and I think this is why I’m so fond of fruit-based recipes like this one. The inclusion of fresh lemon juice in this lemonade, for instance, immediately transports me to the lemon groves of my home state. The twist comes from the inclusion of Wormwood, a herb commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine, reflecting my Indian heritage. The result? A delightful Indian-American fusion drink that straddles both my identities.
A Health Kick in Every Sip
Beyond its amazing fusion of flavors, this Wormwood Lemonade puts a strong foot forward in health benefits department too. Lemon, as we all know, is an excellent source of vitamin C, vital for strengthening our immune system, reducing the risk of heart disease, and improving our skin quality. Wormwood, on the other hand, is considered a power herb in Ayurveda: it is believed to aid digestion, reduce inflammation, and even help in combating malaria.
The sheer joy of making this lemonade comes from knowing that with each serving, you’re offering yourself and those partaking, a glassful of goodness.
The Perfect Meal Companion
What I love about this lemonade is its versatility. It is a refreshing standalone drink, and can effortlessly brighten up any picnic or backyard barbecue setup. But it also complements a range of dishes wonderfully. Paired with a spicy Indian curry or a savoury American BBQ pulled pork, Wormwood Lemonade works as a soothing palate cleanser. It’s similar to other herb-infused drinks, such as mint lemonade or rosemary-infused iced tea, but with its distinct flavor profile, Wormwood Lemonade easily stands out.
As someone derived of two cultures, I believe in highlighting the best of both worlds in my culinary exploits. By creating and sharing recipes like Wormwood Lemonade, I hope you may also find joy in discovering new flavours and creative food combinations. Cheers to the exploration!
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of water
- 1.5 cups of granulated sugar
- 1.5 cups of fresh lemon juice
- 6 sprigs of Wormwood
- Extra lemon slices for garnish (optional)
- 4 cups of cold water or sparkling water
- Ice cubes
Method
Step One:
Begin by combining the 2 cups of water and the 1.5 cups of granulated sugar in a saucepan. Stir this over medium heat until the sugar has completely dissolved. This creates a simple syrup which will sweeten your lemonade.
Step Two:
Next, add the 6 sprigs of Wormwood to the simple syrup. Let this mixture sit for about 10-15 minutes so that the wormwood flavor can infuse into the syrup. After that time, remove and discard the wormwood.
Step Three:
In a large pitcher, combine the wormwood-infused simple syrup, the 1.5 cups of fresh lemon juice, and the 4 cups of cold water or sparkling water. Stir this together until all elements are well mixed.
Step Four:
If you have chosen sparkling water, be careful during this step to prevent the liquid from foaming up. If you like your lemonade extra zesty, add more lemon juice to taste.
Step Five:
For serving, fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the wormwood lemonade over. You can garnish each glass with an additional lemon slice, if desired. Enjoy your homemade Wormwood Lemonade, a refreshing summer drink with a unique twist!
